Wukong Thrice Confronts Lady Whitebone

About

An NCPA-commissioned original comic opera developed over three years, this work adapts the famous Journey to the West episode 'Wukong Thrice Confronts Lady Whitebone.' The score blends modern operatic language with Chinese national idioms, crafting witty, agile melodies well suited to the genre and using arias, recitatives, solos, and ensembles to shape character and drive action. Contemporary, bold stage, costume, and multimedia design translate the classic tale into a modern visual world, while choreography interweaves movement and projections to bridge tradition and today. Directed by Wang Xiaoying and conducted by Lai Jiajing, the production features artists from the NCPA ensembles. Principal roles are double-cast, with alternating performances across the five-show run.