HONG KONG, hrvarts, June 6 A Cantonese opera parodying former U.S. President Donald Trump has taken Hong Kong by storm, offering political satire wrapped in tradition, humor, and an unexpected call for global harmony.
The performance, titled Trump, The Twins President, played to a sold-out crowd at the city’s Xiqu Centre on the same day Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping held a one-hour phone conversation. Though far from diplomatic, the show aimed to spark laughter and maybe a little reflection.
A Blend of Politics and Performance Art
In a surreal twist on real-world politics, the opera sees an actor donning Trump’s signature blond hair as he spars with a Zelenskiy double on stage mocking his outfit and dousing him with a water gun bought from Taobao. The audience laughed throughout, many taking joy in the blend of absurdity and topical storytelling.
Written by Edward Li, a Feng Shui master turned opera playwright, the production first debuted in 2019. Over the years, it has evolved to include recent global events, including a fictionalized attempted assassination of Trump and a comedic confrontation with the Ukrainian president inside the White House.
Trump’s “Twin” in China and a Martian Kidnapping
The plot begins in a dream sequence from Ivanka Trump, who imagines her father has a Chinese twin named Chuan Pu. When Trump is kidnapped by Martians, Ivanka enlists Chuan to impersonate her father for a day, triggering a series of comedic and symbolic events that poke fun at international politics and egos alike.
In one notable scene, Trump ridicules Zelenskiy’s attire before shooting him with a playful water gun. Zelenskiy then theatrically pretends to be wounded, drawing loud laughter from the audience.
Real-world imagery is projected behind the actors, grounding the farce in historical references.
A Satirical Medicine for a Troubled World
Li, the playwright, believes that humor has a healing effect. “This opera is like a special medicine for the world,” he said. “Audiences come away laughing, but they also think about love and peace.”
Li chose Trump as the focal point because of the ex-president’s global impact through trade wars and outspoken policies. “Everyone was affected by his tariffs,” he added. “That’s why his character resonates even in a Cantonese opera.”
Traditional Art Meets Modern Relevance
Cantonese opera is a classical Chinese art form blending music, martial arts, storytelling, and elaborate costumes. Typically performed during festivals and ceremonies, it has historically appealed more to older generations.
But this modern political twist appears to be bridging the generational gap.
Lung Koon-tin, the veteran performer who portrayed Trump, embraced the role with theatrical flair. “Trump is a special character,” he said. “He raised tariffs and made the world react. But this opera shows he’s still human maybe even funny.”
The opera also touches on Sino-American relations, promoting friendship over conflict. “We are Chinese, he is American, but friendship lasts,” Lung added. “That’s why this opera speaks about harmony between China and the U.S.”
Youth Audiences Find New Joy in Cantonese Opera
The performance drew a notably younger crowd, many of whom rarely attend traditional opera.
Thomas Lo, 28, said the show was his first time seeing a full-length Cantonese opera. “Usually, I wouldn’t go,” he admitted. “But this was different. It felt fun and relevant. Mixing politics and tradition like this it’s something really special.”
The evening ended with enthusiastic applause, as modern satire breathed new life into an ancient art form.
