A CHRYSALIS TALE

Composer: Kai-Young Chan

Words from composer

A Chrysalis Tale is inspired by a diary from a former prisoner at Stanley Prison, Hong Kong. Sentenced to life, the prisoner was released after decades due to exemplary behavior. The diary captures the prisoner’s reflections on life and lessons he learned in prison. Hong Kong poet Carl Chan has written a poem based on the diary, integrating one quote: “Life is a one-way journey to be traversed only once.” This piece, based on the English translation of the poem, aims to amplify marginalized voices and highlight issues of incarceration and rehabilitation, inviting a reimagining of prisons and dire circumstances as transformative experiences.