The Butterfly Lovers is one of China’s Four Great Folktales.In 2006, it was inscribed in the first batch of The National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of China by the Ministry of Culture. Young and well-acclaimed French pianists Duo Jatekok will perform together with Hoi Chiu, the renowned Hong Kong sand painting artist, and offer a creative interpretation of this Chinese folk legend.
The story is about a tragic love romance of a pair of lovers, Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai. Zhu, disguises herself as a male student, and meet Liang at school. They study together for three years and become very close friends. One day Liang finally discover Zhu’s true identity and they fall in love. They are devoted to each other and they make a vow to stay together “till death do us part”. However, Zhu’s parents have already arranged for her to marry another man. Liang is heartbroken when he hears the news and his health gradually deteriorates. He becomes critically ill and dies afterward. On the day of Zhu’s marriage, the wedding procession passes by Liang’s grave. Zhu throws herself into the grave to join Liang. Their spirits emerge in the form of a pair of butterflies and fly away together, never to be separated again.
The show consists of piano performance of classical music and a live sand drawing of illustrations which the audience will find fascinating.
Selected classical music pieces include:
Debussy – Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faune
Poulenc – Sonata for 2 Pianos
Trotignon – 3 Pieces
Debussy – Clair de Lune (arranged by Henry Woolett for 4 hands)
