Following on the successful revival of Dream of the Red Chamber in 2022 (https://chfmn.org/dream/ ), SF Opera launched an initiative to create another new opera based on another famous and beloved Chinese novel, Journey to the West: The Monkey King (猴王悟空).  SFO General Director Matthew Shilvock approached CHF for another collaboration and we jumped at the chance. The Dream of the Red Chamber Project was one of the most significant undertakings that CHF had initiated and we were ready and thrilled to collaborate again with SFO to continue reaching out to the greater communities in both MN and CA and beyond.  In  showcasing another best example from our cultural heritage, now presented in a contemporary concept and perspective, we will continue to create and build our common meeting spaces and engage interested parties in meaningful and respectful dialogues. This will further our mission of promoting mutual understanding and trust among all peoples.

SFO’s new adaptation of this novel for the western opera stage will be performed in English and Chinese and unite the disciplines of opera, movement and puppetry. It will follow the Monkey King, a beloved and iconic hero in Chinese culture, whose adventurous story symbolizes transformation, perseverance and the pursuit of wisdom. His exploits are well known throughout Asia.  Composer Huang Ruo and librettist David Henry Hwang have blended ancient Chinese and contemporary Western traditions to create a thrilling new incarnation of the mythic action hero.