Hong Kong—A remarkable convergence of classical Chinese theatre and philanthropic commitment will take center stage at the Xiqu Centre’s Grand Theatre next year, as the critically acclaimed Peking Opera production, The Monkey King: Sun Wukong, Who Dares to Challenge Him?, confirms its Hong Kong residency from February 6 to 8, 2026. The announcement, made at a press conference yesterday, featured the appearance of three generations of renowned “Monkey King” performers, showcasing acrobatic prowess and martial arts expertise ahead of the much-anticipated run.
The production, which melds authentic Peking Opera skills with modern theatrical design, will dedicate all proceeds from the Hong Kong staging to supporting marginalized students in mainland China affected by AIDS, poverty, illness, and discrimination. These funds will be channeled into comprehensive educational assistance programs, reaffirming the show’s mission to combine cultural heritage preservation with vital social action.
Legacy of the Monkey King Takes Center Stage
Since its triumphant premiere in 2021, The Monkey King: Sun Wukong has embarked on an extensive global tour, captivating audiences in cities including Kaohsiung, Taipei, Taichung, Singapore, and Yokohama. The upcoming Hong Kong engagement is poised to be a major cultural event, largely due to the extraordinary collaboration among its lead actors.
The production showcases the passing of a theatrical torch, featuring the original master, Zhu Luhao, alongside his successors, the second-generation artist Xu Tingfang and the emerging third-generation talent Qin Lang. At the press conference, the three performers demonstrated the specialized movement and intricate combat choreography central to the role, highlighting the unique charisma each brings to the legendary character.
As the production’s Artistic Director, Zhu Luhao has devoted his career to mastering the “Handsome Monkey King,” meticulously passing on his unparalleled techniques to younger artists like Xu and Qin. The trio will share the demanding titular role, charting the mythical warrior’s adventures before embarking on the iconic Journey to the West.
Epic Battles and Classical Storytelling
The narrative framework of The Monkey King: Sun Wukong focuses specifically on the character’s legendary youthful exploits, deploying traditional 京劇 (Jingju) wushu (martial arts) and acrobatics. Audiences can expect to witness classic pivotal scenes, including the dramatic episodes of “Ransacking the Dragon Palace” (Nao Long Gong), “Serving as Protector of the Horses” (Bi Mawen), “Stealing Peaches and Elixirs” (Tou Tao Dao Dan), and the monumental “Revolt in Heaven” (Nao Tian Gong).
The spectacle involves a cast exceeding 60 performers who skillfully embody the vast pantheon of Chinese mythical figures. Led by the Monkey King and his entourage of monkey-and-grandchild minions, the stage will erupt with battles against celestial guardians and deities. Notable characters slated to make appearances include the Pagoda-Bearing Heavenly King (Tota Li Tianwang), Taibai Jinxing, Erlang Shen, Ne Zha, the Giant Spirit God, the Dragon King, and his aquatic armies of shrimp and crab soldiers, alongside the formidable Azure Dragon and White Tiger spirits.
This massive collaboration underscores the vibrancy of contemporary Peking Opera, showcasing not only the preservation of traditional skills but also their adaptation for a modern audience. By leveraging the timeless appeal of Sun Wukong’s tales, the production successfully bridges the gap between historical art forms and impactful social outreach, ensuring the legacy of both Chinese theatre and compassionate aid continues to thrive.
