Continuing the momentum built during the premiere (2016) and revival (2022) of Dream of the Red Chamber, SF Opera presented innumerable opportunities for connection, both with the Asian as well as the greater communities, throughout the Bay Area.  There were numerous events in different venues: museums, restaurants, university campuses, online webinars. 

In the months leading up to the world premiere, SF Opera presented numerous lectures/webinars/engagement/meet and greet events with various members of the artistic team.  They took place at the Asian Art Museum and on many college campuses, puppetry workshops through the San Francisco Public Library system, screenings of Monkey King films at the Great Star Theater in Chinatown, and Monkey-King themed events at various restaurants.

SF Opera Guild also organized Monkey King Virtual Opera Preview with Professor Yinning Lin and Librettist David Henry Hwang in early November.  The interest was so strong that they recorded an academic lecture by Prof. Li as well: https://youtu.be/U2_-jq6j4GI

In addition, there were also nationally broadcasts of online webinars such as the one presented by Pen America.

At the same time, SF Opera was also generating intense attention to this spectacular undertaking worldwide.  It garnered the front cover of the January issue of the UK Magazine “Opera”.

During the summer leading up to the premiere in November, CHF presented two Introductions to The Monkey King.  They were both very well attended and drew many younger attendees.  Prof Ann Waltner, our inhouse China expert, chaired both events.  Read more below.