Hong Kong Opera Features Trump Alongside Mao, Kim, and Other Notable Figures
HONG KONG — In recent months, the political landscape under President Trump has unfolded like an opera, especially with China’s involvement adding to the drama. This theatricality inspired the creation of “Trump, The Twins President,” a unique production that combines traditional Cantonese opera with sharp political satire. The show recently wrapped up a three-day run in Hong Kong, delighting audiences with its humorous take on contemporary events. The central figure of the opera is Trump, portrayed by actor Lung Koon-tin, who entertained a sold-out audience at the Xiqu Centre, a prominent venue for Cantonese opera.
Dressed in a blonde wig, blue suit, and red tie, the portrayal garnered enthusiasm as it parodied a wide range of political figures from both the U.S. and China, with Trump taking center stage. Originally premiered in 2019, the show has evolved to reflect current political events, including dramatic moments like Trump’s assassination attempt at a rally and his fiery exchanges with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The opera weaves in references to Trump’s remarks about Canada and his controversial relationship with tech billionaire Elon Musk, capturing the rapid pace of news in the Trump administration. The narrative begins with Ivanka Trump dreaming of her father’s fictional twin brother in China, Chuan Pu, whose name mirrors Trump’s in Chinese.
As the story unfolds, it delves into the historical ties between the U.S. and China, beginning with Richard Nixon’s groundbreaking visit to Beijing. The plot thickens when Chuan Pu, disillusioned with the Cultural Revolution, journeys to the U.S., where Ivanka asks him to impersonate Trump at a rally after her father is “kidnapped by aliens.”
The production culminates in a humorous fistfight between Trump and Zelenskyy, showcasing a mix of absurdity and political commentary. Playwright Li Kui-ming expressed that both Trump and Mao share a desire to reshape their nations radically, which informed his choice to feature them prominently in the opera. Audience members appreciated the intersection of traditional art and modern politics.
With its underlying message to “take it easy” and highlighting that it’s all a dream, the opera encourages a lighthearted reflection on serious themes. Li hopes the show serves as a creative outlet rather than overt political commentary, inviting audiences to enjoy the performance without taking it too seriously.