Maupin takes to the stage of the Paris Opéra.

Maupin challenges a rude nobleman to a duel.

Maupin remembers her romance with the Countess de Florensac.

The performer echoes lines poetry from the Prologue, reflecting on the meaning of Maupin's story.

Medusa sings from beyond the grave, reaching out to her children and her two sisters. She tells the story of her rape by the god Poseidon and murder by the hero Perseus.

A young Chinese/Canadian woman (Xiao Lian) faces a difficult choice: Honour her family’s traditional past or embrace a more modern future. Her father dwells on the memory of his deceased wife and honours her by performing the Qingming funeral tradition. Meanwhile, Xiao Lian’s two friends want her to get out and be more social. Her father objects...

Xiao Lian’s father bitterly reveals that he will die soon. Xiao Lian’s mother appears in spirit form and asks her to forgive her father. She speaks of their happiness together as a family in earlier times. As a child, Xiao Lian had a close connection with the Dragon Boat Festival, known as Duanwu and its hero, the ancient poet Qu Yuan. Her Fathe...

Xiao Lian is transported back to the ancient royal court, where she witnesses the majestic entrance of King Huai of Chu. Qu Yuan is at the peak of his power but is soon outfoxed by rival minister Zhang Yi. Qu Yuan is cast down and banished by his beloved king.

Years later, Qu Yuan has earned the honour and respect of the people in a little fishing village on the river Miluo. Xiao Lian and a local villager strike up a conversation with Qu Yuan, and it is soon revealed that The Kingdom of Chu has been destroyed by its enemies. After learning this news, Qu Yuan’s heart breaks, and he drowns himself in th...

Xiao Lian performs the Qingming ceremony to honour the spirit of her departed father and mother. Love and fellowship combine in the running of a dragon boat race. Xiao Lian joins her friends and crosses into her future.

The combined spirits of Qu Yuan and Father return and ask the audience to release them from their servitude. That freedom granted, they ascend into the heavens triumphantly.

The Mother appears at the window.  She shares memories, loving praise and admonishments.  The development of her child's talent and success has been her life's focus.

Glenn is lost in a painful memory of The Mother in hospital.

The Girl calls out to Glenn.  She asks him for help with a piece of music.

Four Victorian women sit down for a most unusual tea time. The women have two things in common: their dislike of the other women and of their husbands. Each woman refuses to drink tea for one reason or another while brainstorming ideas such as poison, prison, bee-stings or drowning. But who are they plotting against– their partners, or each other?

Sorrel sings to her sleeping husband Daniel, telling him about the traumatic experiences she feels she cannot share when he is awake.

Bess’s sister-in-law Dodo sings a toast at Bess’s wedding to Jan.
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The Goddess of Music reconciles the tribe of the arco violin players with the tribe of pizzicato players, inviting them to make music together.

Thomas and Claire meet at a party and fall in love.

Thomas and Lise sing of feeling the burning of two suns on their faces.

Thomas has brought Lise to become Hope's tutor, but Hope has grown up and wants to leave the house. Lise warns her not to give her love away to just anyone.