See that little dot on the lower right side? That’s Huang Xiangjian. The painter depicted himself as this tiny figure in a horizontal scroll painting nearly 20 feet long (the image above shows just one ninth of the entire painting). In 1652, after hearing nothing from his parents for a decade, not knowing whether his parents had even survived the ravages of war, Huang traveled over 1400 miles in search of his parents. 558 days later, he brought them home.

“Painted three years after his return, this handscroll documents the most arduous portion of the journey, including treacherous mountain trails and the military garrisons where he faced interrogation. Impoverished, injured, and sobbing, he often had to convince armed troops that he was not a spy but was merely trying to obtain passage in search of his parents. In his inscription, he expresses the hope that the painting will ‘exorcise the nightmares’ that still haunted him.” — The Metropolitan Museum of Art

There’s something deeply moving about this humble figure in a vast, mythic land, not knowing if his parents are alive, searching for them anyway. Sacrifice is selfless love made visible. And since few of us have simple relationships with our parents, Huang’s act likely comes not from pure filial devotion, but from a complex love and obligation, making his choice even more poignant.

We are in the earliest phases adapting this painting into a musical-theatrical piece. Say hello if you'd like to be part of our journey!

• December 2025 — TBA
• November 2024 — awarded an artist grant commission from the New York State Council on the Arts via New Music Theatre Project to compose the musical suite that will become the full-length theatrical piece.