Trump-Inspired Cantonese Opera Brings Laughter and Political Satire to Hong Kong

A Trump-themed Cantonese opera is captivating audiences in Hong Kong, blending traditional Chinese performance with modern political satire. Titled “Trump, The Twins President,” the three-and-a-half-hour comedy played to a sold-out crowd at the city’s Xiqu Theatre, coinciding with a phone call between Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Written by feng shui master-turned-playwright Edward Li, the opera reimagines Trump with a fictional Chinese twin, Chuan Pu. The plot kicks off with Ivanka Trump dreaming that her father is abducted by aliens from Mars, prompting his Chinese twin to impersonate him. In one scene, Trump quarrels with a Zelenskiy double in the White House and shoots him with a toy water gun from Taobao, sparking roars of laughter from the audience.

First staged in 2019, the opera has evolved with each version to reflect current events. The latest rendition includes references to Trump’s attempted assassination and explores U.S.-China relations through humor. Cantonese opera, known for its vibrant costumes, martial arts, and dramatic storytelling, finds a fresh, youthful audience through this pop culture twist.

Lead actor Lung Koon-tin, who plays Trump, highlighted the former U.S. president’s global impact. “He made the world speak out,” said Lung, emphasizing a message of Sino-U.S. friendship. Writer Edward Li hopes the opera brings joy and reflection. “It’s a special medicine,” he said. “It makes people think of love and peace.”

Younger viewers like 28-year-old Thomas Lo praised the show’s modern relevance. “It’s fun and really something special,” he noted, appreciating how it connects traditional Cantonese opera with global politics and entertainment.

The performance’s unique fusion of East and West has made it a cultural sensation in Hong Kong, proving that even opera can take a jab at world affairs.