This program features a unique public affairs arts conversation between Chinese-born composer Huang Ruo and Matthew Shilvock, who is in his tenth season as San Francisco Opera’s general director.
The Monkey King (猴王悟空), by Huang Ruo and American librettist/playwright David Henry Hwang, conducted by Carolyn Kuan, is of topical interest as an action hero story with moments of peace and reflection. The Monkey King centers around the mythic hero from China’s classic novel Journey to the West. A monkey born from a stone becomes the ruler of the monkeys and challenges the gods of the seas and heavens in a bid for immortality. SF Opera is producing the world premiere, performed in English and Chinese, uniting the disciplines of opera, dance and puppetry.
The Monkey King's blended production is not your grandmothers’ traditional opera! It’s also a 2024 blockbuster video game Black Myth: Wukong.
Musical theatre audiences are familiar with Broadway’s acclaimed Tony award winning M. Butterfly team, which was also led by Ruo and American librettist/playwright David Henry Whang and conductor Carolyn Kuan.
Read more at Commonwealth Club World Affairs