Zewei (Aurora) Chen

Stage design: 
Peony pavilion of mirrored dream 

iiyaya_o9

The design is inspired by the Chinese opera story Peony Pavilion, in order to promote the culture of opera. I have adapted the story to be more in line with the ideas of modern society. The original story is about a young lady living in a feudal society who dies for love, I adapted this by changing the characters to rebel and fight for freedom and rights. In order to make it easier to understand, I produce hand-drawn illustrations and books. 
Taking an important part of the opera stage: the Suzhou classic garden (a world intangible cultural heritage, located in a city in the south of China), the design is inspired by observing and analysing the opera stage and the content of the story, combining the opera story with garden elements. 
Telling a new story with traditional craftsmanship and modern style triggers one's thoughts about the changes in society, women's rights and status. To criticise the repression of women in the once feudal society. It also provokes more people to think.