Tea: A Mirror of Soul (Chinese 茶 "tea") is a 2002 Chinese-language western-style opera by Tan Dun, to a libretto by the composer and Peking opera librettist Xu Ying.
The opera was commissioned by Suntory Hall in Tokyo, Japan and was given its world premiere performance there in English.
[1][2] SEIKYO, Japanese Monk (discovery/philosophy): Baritone LAN, Chinese Princess/ Puppet Monk (love): Soprano PRINCE, Chinese Prince/ Puppet Monkey King (anger): Tenor EMPEROR, Father of Lan/ Shadow (tradition/culture): Bass LU, Shadow/ Ritualist/ Daughter of Tea Sage Luyu (tea/messenger for spirit): Contralto MONKS CHANTING (religion): Bass-Baritone Chorus THREE PERCUSSIONISTS (nature): Water, Paper, Ceramic Instruments ORCHESTRA (drama) Kyoto, Japan.
Seikyo, a Prince by birth, relates that ten years ago he became a monk because of his bitter love...
Seikyo expresses doubt that this is the true book shown him by its author, his teacher the Tea Sage Luyu.
Seikyo and Lan travel south in search of the true Book of Tea.
Lan acquaints Seikyo with the legend of how tea was invented thousands of years ago.
She consents to give Seikyo and Lan the Book of Tea on the condition that they vow to spread its wisdom throughout the world.