Sunbeam Theater: A Legacy of Traditions and Change
The Sunbeam Theater, one of Hong Kong’s oldest and most cherished performance venues, has played a pivotal role in preserving the traditional art of Cantonese opera. Founded in 1952, the theater has been a cultural staple for generations, attracting audiences eager to experience the distinct musical storytelling and vibrant performances that characterize Cantonese opera. Over the decades, the Sunbeam Theater has hosted countless iconic performances that showcase the rich heritage of Hong Kong’s cultural arts.
Some of the most notable performances to grace the Sunbeam stage include The Golden Lotus (1995), an opera based on the famous Chinese novel, and The White Snake (2004), a dramatic love story steeped in legend. These productions, while grounded in traditional Cantonese opera, also offered modern adaptations, demonstrating the theater’s commitment to keeping the art form relevant to contemporary audiences.
As Hong Kong’s theater landscape evolves, the Sunbeam Theater has adapted by incorporating more diverse themes and even experimenting with the fusion of different genres. However, its enduring dedication to the Cantonese opera tradition remains unchanged. The theater’s stunning architecture and intimate atmosphere provide an ideal setting for showcasing the depth and beauty of this art form.
Sadly, after over half a century of cultural contribution, the Sunbeam Theater is set to close in March 2025, leaving a bittersweet farewell to one of Hong Kong’s most iconic performance venues. Despite this, its legacy in the city’s cultural history will live on in the memories of countless theatergoers.
A Modern Twist: Donald Trump in Cantonese Opera
In a remarkable fusion of culture, politics, and humor, the Sunbeam Theater hosted a unique Cantonese opera performance titled Trump, The Twins President on February 8, 2025. The performance, which takes an unconventional approach to political satire, centers around the fictional return of Donald Trump to the U.S. presidency and his role in the 2024 election. Audiences gathered at the soon-to-be-closed theater to witness this peculiar blend of traditional Cantonese opera and modern political humor.
The actor who portrayed Donald Trump, Lung Koon-tin, brought the character to life in true Cantonese opera style. Lung wore a distinct blonde wig and embraced the operatic exaggeration and dramatic flair that are hallmarks of the genre. His performance, both comedic and politically charged, captivated the audience, drawing loud laughter and applause throughout the evening.
Not only did Lung’s portrayal of Trump offer an amusing take on the former president’s political career, but it also highlighted the fascinating juxtaposition of Cantonese opera’s classic style with modern themes. The audience, which included both local Hong Kong residents and international students, reacted enthusiastically to this unique fusion. Yvonne Fok, a Hong Kong resident, noted how the performance “brings together different unrelated elements like time traveling, China, and the U.S.,” making it a fun and memorable evening.
The performance also featured Roger Chan as former U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, who was depicted as a humorous foil to Trump. The actors’ costumes and exaggerated gestures added to the overall comedic effect, making it an entertaining spectacle for all.
In addition to its political satire, Trump, The Twins President embraced the rich tradition of Cantonese opera. The dialogue and songs were sung in Cantonese, the mother tongue of many Hong Kongers, allowing the audience to experience the traditional art form while embracing its modern and playful twist.
The Sunbeam Theater’s blending of traditional Chinese art and modern political satire presents a unique and thought-provoking experience for audiences. As Hong Kong’s cultural landscape continues to evolve, productions like Trump on Show push boundaries and redefine what a Cantonese opera can be.
Takeaway: The Arts as a Gateway to New Perspectives
The fascinating performance of Trump, The Twins President at the Sunbeam Theater underscores the power of the arts to open minds and entertain audiences with new perspectives. By combining the age-old tradition of Cantonese opera with a modern political narrative, the production challenges conventional thinking and allows for a creative exploration of world events through a different lens. It proves that the arts are an essential medium for examining our society’s complexities, bringing humor, critique, and insight into spaces where traditional boundaries are often respected.
As the Sunbeam Theater prepares to close its doors, its legacy of blending tradition with innovation will serve as an inspiration for future generations of artists. The ability to entertain while provoking thought demonstrates the incredible potential of the arts to bridge gaps between cultures, beliefs, and time periods, encouraging audiences to think more critically and creatively about the world around them.
Link: The Twins President
