Public Lecture & Pingtan Performance | Stories in the Sounds of Suzhou

Following last year’s collaboration with the Suzhou Pingtan Troupe, we are delighted to welcome the troupe back to campus this autumn for a contemporary adaptation of the classic Chinese novel Dream of the Red Chamber: Dream of the Red Chamber: The Story of Granny Liu (《红楼梦·戏说刘姥姥》).

Told through the eyes of Granny Liu, one of the novel’s most vivid characters, the performance brings to life the warmth, wit, and changing fortunes of the Jia family through narration, comic banter, instrumental accompaniment, and song.

Before the evening performance, renowned Pingtan artists Mr. Wang Chiliang and Ms. Wu Jing, both National First-Class Performers, will give a public lecture introducing the performance traditions of Suzhou Pingtan. Drawing on their extensive stage experience, they will discuss the differences between pinghua and tanci, traditional techniques such as vocal imitation, folding fans, and storyteller’s clappers, as well as the adaptation and creation of The Story of Granny Liu.

1. Public Lecture: Suzhou Pingtan Performance Techniques and the Making of The Story of Granny Liu

• Time: October 13, 2026; 4:30–5:30 PM
• Venue: Library Tea House (LIB 3015)
• Artists: Mr. Wang Chiliang and Ms. Wu Jing

(1) Mr. Wang Chiliang

National First-Class Performer

• Chair of the Jiangsu Provincial Committee for Pingshu and Pinghua Arts
• Studied under renowned artists Lü Yekang, Shi Chunnian, and Liu Lanfang
• Gold Award winner in the National Pingshu and Pinghua Competition
• Recipient of the Performance Award at the 14th China Quyi Peony Awards
• Skilled in the distinctive vocal imitation techniques of pinghua

(2) Ms. Wu Jing

National First-Class Performer; Deputy Director of the Suzhou Pingtan Troupe

• Recipient of the Peony Performance Award, Peony Literature Award, and Peony Program Award
• Member of the Standing Committee of the Jiangsu Provincial People’s Congress
• A leading creator of contemporary Pingtan works
• Adapter of Dream of the Red Chamber: The Story of Granny Liu

2. Pingtan Performance: Dream of the Red Chamber: The Story of Granny Liu

• Time: October 13, 2026; 7:30–8:45 PM
• Venue: CCT Theater
• Performed by: Suzhou Pingtan Troupe

Program

Part I: Granny Liu Seeks a Loan

Performers: Gao Xinyi, Wang Zixiao, and Zhuang Yunfei

Part II: A Visit to the Grand View Garden

Performers: Wang Chen, Zhang Min, and Yuan Jiaying

Part III: Returning a Kindness

Performers: Liu Mingjie and Li Wenqi

*Both the lecture and performance are open to the public, and Chinese and English subtitles will be provided.

Registration

https://duke.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3OWpVTu046SSgaa?Q_CHL=qr