Événement

TCL and TEA Present "Fermata" by Maria Cheng

Three generations of Chinese westernized women, brilliant musicians, of whom two are world class virtuosos and one who gave up a music career to only become a neurosurgeon. They gather to celebrate Grandmas 80th birthday, in Gandolfo, Italy, the Popes summer home, because Grandma wants to see the Pope before she kicks!

Cellist Grandma shows signs of dementia while doggedly smoking, practicing tai ji chuan and maintaining her dragon lady fierceness towards her progeny. Then there are her two step-daughters: genius conductor Da Jieh, ever haunted by her conductor fathers non-support, hasnt conducted for two years; and Shiow May, who mourns her violin prodigy past which she gave up for the good life and a philandering conductor husband. Granddaughter Sabrina struggles with her mother Shiow Mays disappointment that she chose medicine over a concert pianist career - being a top-notch neurosurgeon isn't good enough!

Secrets, jealousies, lost dreams and future hopes collide as the action unfolds with humor and grace in a lush villa, underscored by strains of Bach, Beethoven, Mahler, Johann Strauss, Tchaikovsky, Chinese folk and milonga music of the barrios of Buenos Aires, the Popes favorite music. What is Grandmas secret? Can Da Jieh overcome her ghosts? Will Shiow May face the consequences of her own choices? Can Sabrina forgive her mothers disapproval?

This is playwright Maria Chengs sixth full-length play, in which she finally forays into a life-long passion, western classical music. While Cheng explores the burden of virtuosity, the politics of art making and the purpose of music, the underlying theme of this dramedy is what price one pays when one does or doesnt follow ones authentic self.