Professor of East Asian Languages and Literature Zhuoyi Wang is the historical and comparative literature advisor for Shanghai Sonatas, the story of Jewish refugee musicians finding sanctuary in the Jewish Ghetto of Shanghai in the 1940s. The performance is described as a compelling tale of how the unifying power of music brings cultures together.
Wang has been involved with this musical theatre work in progress for several years. It has been performed in the Wallis Center for the Performing Arts in Los Angeles, and at Vassar College and other venues.
Shanghai Sonatas was recently presented at Hamilton as a concert that included musical excerpts, and a conversation with the creators and lead performers. Wang, with artistic director Sean Gao and other creative partners, provided context to the discussion.
