In China, a man plays the piano to make space for grief

This podcast episode explores the powerful story of Peng Haitao, a filmmaker and musician from Wuhan, China, who found solace and healing through music after experiencing traumatic losses and grappling with unprocessed grief. Peng's piano performances, including one at the Three Gorges Dam, became symbols of defiance, frustration, and the need for expression in the face of government restrictions and the pandemic. Through his music, Peng challenged the government's narrative of "positive energy" and sought to create a space for communal grief and mourning in China. His performances resonated with many and sparked protests, highlighting the political nature of mourning and the significance of public expression in a tightly controlled society.