HONG KONG – Veteran Hong Kong actress Mo Shunyun, affectionately known as “Mo Jie,” has been drawing crowds and celebrity admirers alike during her 44-performance stage play The Great Struggle Day at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts. The production, which began late last month, received a notable boost on its seventh night when iconic actress Cherie Chung, singer Anthony Wong, and activist-artist Denise Ho showed up to lend their support.
Mo, 65, shared a backstage photograph on social media Tuesday, showing her alongside Wong and Ho. In the post, she expressed delight at the surprise visit, particularly noting her enduring bond with Ho. “Since we had the fortune to play sisters in a Lunar New Year film back in 2012, we have called each other ‘big sister’ and ‘little sister,’” Mo wrote. “Last night, knowing that my little sister (Denise), Ming Gor (Anthony), and Hung Gu (Cherie) had come to cheer us on, I was beyond thrilled. Seeing that everyone enjoyed the show made me perform with even more joy.”
Ho responded warmly in the comments, writing, “Love you, big sister! It was a fantastic show! Ming Gor and I were stunned by your singing—we want to watch it again! Keep the show going, and have the best time.”
The actress’s candid interaction with Ho is significant. Denise Ho has faced a muted public profile in mainland China since her involvement in pro-democracy protests in 2019, with her work and name frequently censored on major platforms there. Mo’s public embrace of her “little sister” underscores a rare moment of solidarity in Hong Kong’s entertainment industry, where many stars have become cautious about expressing political associations.
Mo Shunyun, a veteran of over four decades in film and television, is widely respected for her comedic timing and dramatic range. Her last major stage appearance was several years ago, making this 44-show run a notable return to live theater. The Great Struggle Day is described as a dark comedy exploring themes of resilience and absurdity in modern life, with Mo performing both dramatic monologues and musical numbers.
Cherie Chung, a screen legend who largely retired from the limelight in the 1990s, was also photographed at the venue, drawing additional media attention. Her rare public appearance, along with support from singer Anthony Wong—who has also maintained a low political profile in recent years—added to the evening’s celebratory atmosphere.
With 37 performances still scheduled, Mo’s run continues to generate strong word-of-mouth and ticket demand. The production marks one of the most ambitious stage engagements for a Hong Kong actress of her stature in recent memory, and her willingness to reconnect with peers—both inside and outside the theater—has resonated with longtime fans who remember the close-knit camaraderie of the city’s entertainment scene.
The Great Struggle Day runs at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts through late November.
