Peony Pavilion (1998)

A "modern improvisation on old materials": Peony Pavilion, the masterpiece of traditional Chinese Kunqu opera, renewed and revived by a new adaptation of text and music. A drama of love and death, reality and illusion which merges virtuoso acting, avant-garde Western opera, electronic music, ceremonial dance, ritual, martial arts, and poetry in a unique theatrical experience to dazzle all the senses. Presented by Madame Hua Wenyi, one of the greatest actresses of the Chinese theatre, and a group of young Chinese and American performers.

Cast List

   BRIDAL DU: Soprano
   LIU MENGMEI: Tenor
   SISTER STONE: Chinese Kun-Opera or Peking-Opera actress

   CHORUS: Baritones, plus all musicians

Musicians

   THE JUDGE: Electronic Midi Horn, Xun and Dizi
   THE CLERK: Electronic Midi Horn, and Sona (or Kiri, or Taeponso)
   THE FLOWER SPIRIT: Pipa
   ZHAO: Sampler (or Computer)
   SUN: Percussion: bangu drum (Chinese Opera Drum), Chinese cymb. (6'), small gong (8' with pitch bending), large bass drum, water gong (12'-14'), ratchet
   LI: Percussion: drum set (pedal bass drum, 4 tom toms, hi-hat, snare drum, cymb.), udo drum (a ceramic drum with 2 sound holes), maraca, guiro, Chinese cymb. (6'), brush, bow, flexitone, 4 small Chinese bells (or finger bells), 2 cowbells (large and small)

Synopsis

Bridal Du, daughter of Du Baoyan, the provinicial governor of Nan-an, falls asleep in the garden, intoxicated by the springtime. She dreams of meeting a handsome young man. Upon waking, she pines for this dream lover, and languishes with lovesickness. Eventually she dies of her longing and is buried in the garden. Three years later, the young scholar Liu Mengmei finds a portrait of Bridal Du while in the garden and falls in love with her picture. Faithful to her dream even in death, Bridal Du steps out of the painting; as a wandering ghost she pursues her dream lover. Liu Mengmei helps bring her back to life, and she becomes his wife.