‘Death of the Pugilist’ comes to Thunder River Theatre for one day only

Thunder River Theatre transports audiences to the gritty underbelly of 1820s England through its production of “Death of the Pugilist,” for one show only at 2 p.m. on Sunday.

Produced by BenFeng Music Productions, the production combines storytelling with an ensemble of five musicians who play a mix of musical styles ranging from J.S. Bach and Philip Glass to blues and Irish traditional tunes.

“We push boundaries in classical music presentation and strive to unite audiences through powerful and personal encounters,” said MinTze Wu, founder of BenFeng Music Productions and artistic director, violinist, and pianist in “Death of the Pugilist.” “Nothing about this production follows any preconceptions.”

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Based on Daniel Mason’s short story, it follows a young man’s path through the brutal world of boxing, exploring themes of redemption, resilience, and the human spirit along the way. Its powerful fusion of storytelling and music draws audiences deep into the fighter’s journey.

Though Wu doesn’t find boxing — or death — particularly appealing, when she read the story, she was mesmerized. And, she continues to feel that way each time the artists perform the work, saying it’s a “visceral experience.”

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“It’s a rare experience to see music and narrative so intricately woven together on stage, creating something truly unforgettable,” said guitarist, flutist, whistler, and bodhran player Blayne Chastain.

“Death of the Pugilist” stops in Carbondale for only one show due to the artists’ busy schedules. However, they look forward to offering it more up and down the valley, as well as throughout the world, Wu said.

“‘Death of the Pugilist’ is a production that continues to morph and evolve, with new elements added with each rendition,” she said. “(It’s) a perfect blend of a riveting story and mesmerizing music, which speaks to audiences of all walks of life.”

Narrator Jem Moore, who became an award-winning film director after 20 years as a successful folk musician, said he’s struck by the number of audience members who tell him they’ll continue to think about this show for months.

In addition to Moore, the award-winning cast features musicians Wu, Chastain, Eric Thorin, and Joy Adams.

A native of Taiwan, Wu embraces the word “BenFeng,” translated as “running with free spirit,” as a way of exploring music — and the world — by weaving words, movement, and other theatrical elements to deliver a rich, textural experience.

In addition to being a musician, Chastain is a filmmaker, educator, and music director at St. Patrick Presbyterian Church in Greeley. He began his career with a passion for historic hymns and then established his first teaching studio in Nashville while working with Dove Award-winner Ginny Owens and Will Sayles. His debut Irish traditional album, “Fiddle & Flute,” in collaboration with fiddle champion Natalie Rae Padilla, came out in 2011 and garnered critical acclaim.

Thorin, a musician from Colorado who has toured with the likes of Tony Furtado, plays upright bass, guitar, and tuba in the production. He is a composer and musician in The Matt Flinner Trio, has orchestrated for Elephant Revival with the Colorado Symphony and Colorado Music Festival Orchestra, and has produced the debut recording of the traditional Irish band Take Down the Door.

Adams, the vocalist and cello, banjo, and mandolin player, has been a student in the Aspen Music School and Festival, soloed with the Spokane Symphony, and won Musicfest Northwest. She holds a doctorate of musical art and has performed and recorded with such artists as Renee Fleming, Bobby McFerrin, Pharrell Williams, George Benson, and Gloria Estefan.

She described the production as “kind of like a reverse silent film. Instead of a picture with no spoken dialogue or narration, you get the spoken story with no picture, but with a soundtrack so incredibly moving and vivid, your brain will fill in the picture itself.”

Wu explained the overall vision of the production to the musicians and now allows them to improvise within it.

“The interplay and the evolution of the interpretation is what I enjoy most,” Thorin said. “This enchanting experience resonates deeply, leaving an indelible mark long after the final curtain falls.”

“It’s a rare experience to see music and narrative so intricately woven together on stage, creating something truly unforgettable,” Chastain said.

With lighting design by Sean Jeffries and historic costumes by Bineke Kiernan, the production sets the stage for an immersive theatrical adventure.

“This performance is a true feast for the senses,” Wu said. “The haunting melodies, powerful rhythms, and evocative soundscapes will leave you breathless.”