In a dazzling display of cultural fusion that could only happen in the eclectic cultural melting pot of Hong Kong, the city’s venerable Sunbeam Theatre echoed with the unexpected strains of Donald Trump’s voice, albeit in Cantonese. The traditional art of Cantonese opera has just received the most unconventional update with “Trump on Show,” a performance that has the city talking.
As the curtains rose on Monday night, the audience was treated to a spectacle that melded the ancient with the audacious. Lung Koon-tin, in full Trump regalia, complete with a golden wig, took to the stage, embodying the former U.S. President in a way no one could have anticipated. The show, set against the backdrop of the Sunbeam Theatre’s rich history, was a bold statement on the adaptability and humor of Cantonese opera.
“Trump on Show” isn’t just a play; it’s an experience, a cultural commentary wrapped in the melodious, high-pitched notes of Cantonese opera. The production, which has been delighting audiences since its debut in 2019, has evolved, this time focusing on Trump’s return to the presidency and the 2024 election. Scenes of political satire, time travel, and a blend of American and Chinese cultural elements made for a night of laughter and applause, where the audience was as much a part of the show as the performers.
Playwright Li Kui-Ming, a feng shui master turned storyteller, has masterfully woven a narrative where the worlds of politics and traditional art collide. “It’s about showing that Cantonese opera isn’t just about historical tales or folklore; it’s vibrant, alive, and can speak to the issues of today,” Li explained, his vision bringing in a new, younger audience who might have never considered opera as their first choice for entertainment.
The performance saw a packed house, with long queues snaking around the theatre, a testament to the show’s popularity. Young and old, local and tourist alike, were drawn not just by curiosity but by the promise of witnessing something truly unique. Yvonne Fok, a Hong Kong resident, shared, “This is funny because it brings together different unrelated elements like time traveling, China, and the U.S. It’s a night out you won’t forget.”
The opera also featured Roger Chan, who portrayed Kamala Harris with flair, donning a blazer and pearl necklaces, in a comedic nod to her political journey. The interaction between these characters, set to the traditional music and movements of Cantonese opera, was nothing short of mesmerizing.
As the final notes played and the actors took their bows, it was clear that “Trump on Show” had struck a chord. It was more than entertainment; it was a cultural statement, showing the world that Hong Kong’s artistic scene is as dynamic and surprising as ever, blending the old with the new in ways that both educate and entertain.
This performance might be one of the last at the Sunbeam Theatre, which is slated to close, adding a poignant note to the evening. But if “Trump on Show” has proven anything, it’s that the end of one chapter could very well be the beginning of another in Hong Kong’s rich tapestry of cultural expression.
