Cantonese opera is experiencing a revival in Hong Kong through a quirky tale about Donald Trump’s political career. CNN’s Kristie Lu Stout sat down with the show’s writer-director to learn more about how it all came to fruition.

Hong Kong Island

A Cantonese opera in Hong Kong, centered on a fictionalized version of Donald Trump's political career, is drawing sold-out crowds and introducing the traditional art form to a younger generation. The production, 'Trump on Show,' features Trump singing in Chinese and interacting with figures such as Ivanka Trump, Kim Jong Un, and Abraham Lincoln, blending contemporary themes with classic opera techniques.

Created by writer and feng shui master Edward Lee, the opera has sparked renewed interest in Cantonese opera, which has seen declining popularity in recent decades. The show's success highlights the potential for traditional cultural forms to adapt and thrive by incorporating modern and international elements, with hopes that the production may eventually reach audiences abroad.

‘Trump’ revives Cantonese opera in Hong Kong

On this stage, Donald Trump sings in fluent Chinese. And why not? He's the star of a hot new Cantonese opera. How did you copy the body language of Donald Trump? This is the special thing about Donald Trump. This one? His eyes and his gestures are so unique. Every time I submerge myself in the role. I'm Donald Trump. Long is an over 40-year veteran of Cantonese opera, and he's starring in the latest version of Trump on Show, a Hong Kong production that began back in 2019. The first opera depicted Trump's debut as U.S. president. And this one? A fictionalized account of his latest presidential run, including an assassination attempt. And his return to the Oval Office, including his clash with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Other characters include Ivanka Trump, Kim Jong Un, and this take on Abraham Lincoln. Edward Lee is the mastermind of the entire production, a writer and feng shui master He has staged dozens of operas. And I find he is a very interesting people. Cantonese opera is a performance art that dates back 500 years. In recent decades, its popular appeal has been on the wane. But Trump on Show has been a hit. Tickets for the latest opera have also sold out, filling the hall with audiences of all ages, including a new generation of Cantonese opera fans. It's a new experience to the younger people. And then I want to know about current culture, to like about history and about like how to relate it to Hong Kong, to China, to America. Cantonese opera singing, Cantonese opera style of acting. And this contemporary figures together, that's where the chemistry is. The potential audience is even bigger. I hope in the future, this opera can go to the United States to have this kind of opera doing, especially Broadway. UNESCO recognizes Cantonese opera as an example of, quote, intangible cultural heritage of humanity. Productions like this are key to keeping a precious art form alive. Can we say Donald Trump is helping Cantonese opera survive? You can say that because his character is so special and everybody is being influenced by him. On this stage, Trump is a hero, the star of a Cantonese opera with an American twist while reviving a treasured Chinese tradition.

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