Up First from NPR The Sunday Story: A Song for Grief in China
Mar 31, 2024
In this captivating discussion, NPR correspondent John Ruwitch interviews Peng Haïtao, a Wuhan-based pianist known for his poignant performances of "Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence". They delve into the deep emotional impact of playing in significant locations like earthquake sites and during the COVID lockdown. The conversation uncovers how Peng's music articulates unexpressed grief and resonates with a culture that often prioritizes positivity. They explore art's role in healing and social commentary amidst China's complex relationship with loss.
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Viral Piano Video
- In Wuhan, a man played piano at a blocked street during a COVID lockdown.
- Police stopped him, but he finished the song, and the video went viral.
Video's Significance
- The video's virality stemmed from its daring defiance of China's COVID restrictions.
- It symbolized a statement against the barriers and the pandemic's impact.
Meeting Peng Haïtao
- John Ruwitch and Aowyn Chow investigated the pianist, Peng Haïtao.
- They discovered he continued playing and joined him for a performance on the Yangtze River.