Piano X Kunqu Opera-Music theater “I Fantasie”

Music theater “I Fantasie,” which will be staged on March 18, will create space when Debussy meets the heroine of Kunqu play “The Peony Pavilion,” Du Liniang.
Pianist Gu Jieting never intentionally learnt Kunqu Opera, but has grown up surrounded by melodies sung by opera-following grandparents.
On hearing Debussy for the first time, she found amazing familiarity in the piece.
“It seems to be very similar to the Kunqu melodies and bothered me for long time,” says Gu. She then did in-depth research that also helped her in her essay on the different approaches of Debussy’s music and traditional Chinese art. Not satisfied by just the theory, Gu decided to take to stage as well.
The theater will tell the story of Debussy, played by the pianist, communicating with Du, played by a Kunqu performer, in four acts. Ten of Debussy’s works will be presented, including “Golden Fish,” “Girl with the Flaxen Hair” and “Moonlight.”