Toy Theatre Peony Pavilion (Premiere 2000)

Toy Theatre Peony Pavilion is a unique  combination of  classic  16th Century Ming Dynasty Kun Opera  (the ancestor of  modern Chinese opera) with contemporary Western toy theater (using a small model proscenium stage and flat, cut-out figures) to tell one of the great epic masterpieces of Chinese dramatic literature. The live actors in full opera costume and makeup blend seamlessly with the small-scale puppets and masks to tell the supernatural romance of a young couple who meet in a dream. When the young lover pines away for her lover and dies of a broken heart, her soul is brought by the Judge of Hell who, touched by her faithfulness, allows her soul to return  to life and reunite with her beloved. Toy Theatre Peony Pavilion is a wonderful introduction to traditional Chinese Opera, suitable for all ages. It has English dialogue and arias sung in the original Chinese. It was the recipient of a UNIMA-USA Citation of Excellence in Puppetry.

Toy Theatre Peony Pavilion debuted in 2000 and has been performed at venues including Walt Disney Concert Hall, CA, the International Puppetry Association Convention, GA, and Queens Museum of Art, NYC.

Production Credits:
Writers: Kuang-Yu Fong, Stephen Kaplin (Based on Tang Xianzu's Peony Pavilion)

Directors: Kuang-Yu Fong, Stephen Kaplin

Performers: Yuhang Wen, Richard Chang, Kuang-Yu Fong, Stephen Kaplin

Musicians: Baogang Liu, Zhongxi Wu, Kanren Wu