THE THREE SISTERS

Three Chinese sisters outsmart Emperor Wang with the power of music.

Emperor Wang is infamous for his endless wars. His advisers summon court musicians Lady Li and Master Yen, whose singing and erhu playing often soothes him. The couple’s young daughters are also gifted musicians, and Emperor Wang demands that they come, too. Lady Li and Master Yen are initially reluctant, but they give in to his threats. Master Yen offers each daughter advice: “Stay true to your music, and you will see its power and its magic.” First Sister arrives accompanied by her mother and plays her flute. When Emperor Wang blocks their exit, First Sister plays again, and the palace paintings of birds come alive; amid the confusion, First Sister flees. Second Daughter comes next to play her gu zheng. When Emperor Wang stops her, her music brings to life images of waterfalls, and she escapes. By the time Third Sister arrives, Emperor Wang has stripped the walls of art, but she nevertheless finds a creative solution as she plays her pipa. Pursued by Emperor Wang, the sisters all play their music, summoning mythological creatures and bringing the tale to a fantastical climax that brings peace to the kingdom. The straightforward narrative is accompanied by detailed line drawings with bold colors set against white backdrops. Characters have exaggerated facial expressions; Emperor Wang’s features are especially distorted to emphasize his grotesque nature.

A whimsical folktale filled with music and magic.