The Kunqu Opera Six Chapters of a Floating Life brings Shen Fu's famous memoir to life in its authentic setting

One can feel a bit of chill in the air at 8 pm outside the north gate of the Canglang Pavilion in Suzhou, Jiangsu province. But one soon forgets it as the hero Shen Fu and his beloved wife Chen Yun appear on a boat. Accompanied by a melodious flute, the two step out of the boat to be greeted by their butler.

The immersive theater version of the Kunqu Opera Six Chapters of a Floating Life, based on the book by Shen Fu starts in front of the gate. As they walk up a stone road to Canglang Pavilion, the two performers - Zhang Zhengyao from Jiangsu Performing Arts Group's Kunqu Theater playing Shen Fu and the actress Shen Guofang, as Chen Yun - are followed by the melody, as well as the sound of the wind, footsteps, and whispers in the garden.