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Coming November 2025

The Monkey King
猴王悟空

by Huang Ruo and David Henry Hwang

The World Premiere of The Monkey King is coming November 2025.
Subscribe for tickets. Available February 4, 2025. 

Overview

Music By

Huang Ruo

Libretto

David Henry Hwang

Language

Sung in English and Chinese

Dates

November 2025

Run Time

TBA

Power alone is not enough

He’s arrogant. He’s disobedient. He’s becoming the most powerful being in creation, and he’s about to wreak havoc on heaven.
 
Based on the classic Chinese novel Journey to the WestThe Monkey King makes its much-anticipated world premiere at the War Memorial Opera House. This new, action-packed opera combines high-energy music and text with puppetry, dance, Peking opera, and Buddhist sutras to tell the tale of the Monkey King’s beginnings.
 
The Monkey King is a beloved figure, inspiring countless interpretations in Chinese popular culture. A monkey born from stone, Sun Wukong (the Monkey King) is determined to find immortality for his tribe. Many scoff at his aspirations but, as he learns from a Taoist master, he is set on proving them wrong with his signature cunning and charm. He wins every battle against legendary warriors, but the respect he longs for is always out of reach. What will it take for the gods to recognize him as an equal?
 
Award-winning director Diane Paulus and puppeteer Basil Twist conjure up a whimsical world of gods, tricksters, superheroes, and rebels. Huang Ruo’s soaringly beautiful, energized score and David Henry Hwang’s incisive libretto blend traditional Chinese and contemporary Western styles into an extraordinary work that gives new voice to this enduring story.
 
The Monkey King is an artistic experience you do not want to miss. Be a part of the world premiere of this thrilling new opera!

OperaVision, HD video projection screens featured in the Balcony level for the first three performances.