Cantonese opera infused with a Trump-like influence breathes new life into the classic genre
The modern Cantonese opera production **"Trump, The Twins President"** has taken the stage by storm, offering a unique blend of traditional art and contemporary political satire. The opera, written by Edward Li Kui-Ming, presents a humorous yet critical reflection on the political persona of former US President Donald Trump and recent events.
At the heart of the opera lies a Chinese actor, dressed in a blond wig and donning a striking resemblance to Trump, portrayed by veteran actor Loong Koon-tin. The plot unfolds as a character named Chuan travels to the United States during Trump's reelection campaign, only to find Trump abducted by aliens from Mars. In a twist of fate, Ivanka Trump asks Chuan to impersonate Trump, creating a dramatic sparring on stage that uses the traditional art form to comment on contemporary politics.
The opera has received widespread acclaim, selling out shows and garnering interest from viewers like Adiva Zeng, 16, who finds the China-centric context intriguing. Li Kui-Ming, the show's creator, believes that "Drama is life. Life is drama. And even...politics is drama."
The production has not shied away from referencing recent geopolitical events, including Trump's assassination attempt in Pennsylvania, his attacks on Harvard, and his turbulent relationship with Elon Musk. However, Li acknowledges the challenge of drawing a line between acceptable humor and offensiveness.
Loong Koon-tin has thrown himself into the role, working hard to capture Trump's facial expressions and gestures. He states, "Every time I submerge myself in the role, I am the Donald Trump."
Other characters in the opera include former Presidents Abraham Lincoln and Richard Nixon, China's Mao Zedong, and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. The latest reprise of the show, which originally debuted in 2019, has also incorporated references to Trump's heated exchange with Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky, adding another layer of relevance to the production.
Li's goal was to present a balanced view so that everyone could relate to the show, stating "I'm not trying to do anything to arouse any political items." Despite his ambition to take the show to Broadway or elsewhere, logistics and financing have proven to be a hurdle.
Despite these challenges, **"Trump, The Twins President"** stands as a testament to the enduring power of Cantonese opera and its ability to engage audiences with thought-provoking commentary on leadership, identity, and political spectacle. As an "intangible cultural heritage of humanity" recognized by UNESCO, Cantonese opera continues to evolve and adapt, reaching new audiences and maintaining its relevance in the modern world.
- The opera's creators, such as Li Kui-Ming, believe that social-media platforms are abuzz with discussions about "Trump, The Twins President," as it delves into world events like the former US President's political persona, his relationship with other leaders like Elon Musk, and even his encounters with aliens.
- Incorporating characters like Mao Zedong, Richard Nixon, and Kim Jong Un, the opera boldly tackles pop-culture and general-news topics, providing a satirical commentary on political leaders from China, the US, and beyond on the global stage.
- The opera's success has not gone unnoticed, with viewers in China and around the world expressing interest in the production, showing that Cantonese opera continues to offer a unique platform for discussion and commentary on international politics, entertainment, and societal issues.
