Staging a heavenly commotion

Havoc in the Heavenly Kingdom is one of the most popular productions in the Peking Opera repertoire. It appeals to audiences of all ages, says 35-year-old Zhu Lingyu, who is a fellow wusheng actor and also plays the role of Sun Wukong. This Friday, he will share the stage with Qu.

"Peking Opera's bold, colorful costumes and exaggerated facial makeup are a feast for the eyes. Sun Wukong's flamboyant appearance is designed to capture attention, while other characters wear lavish robes adorned with celestial symbols. These visual elements help bring the well-known story to life in a striking way," Zhu says. "Additionally, the blend of humor, moral themes, and philosophical depth ensures that it speaks to a wide audience, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking."

In early 2018, Zhu began to study for the role and a year later, made his debut during the company's tour of Mexico. In 2019, he reprised the role for a tour of Switzerland.

The upcoming performance of Havoc in the Heavenly Kingdom is part of the ongoing celebration of the 70th anniversary of the National Peking Opera Company, one of the top troupes dedicated to the ancient art form.

According to the company, the creation of Havoc in the Heavenly Kingdom began in 1951 with dramatist Weng Ouhong (1908-94) and Peking Opera master Li Shaochun (1919-75). The two artists adapted An Tian Hui, a classic Peking Opera piece based on Journey to the West, into Havoc in the Heavenly Kingdom.

Its success not only made Li, who played Sun Wukong, famous, but also established the production as a classic, which has since been staged by generations of performers.

In 1977, Weng revised the script to highlight Sun Wukong's cleverness, quick wit, and rebelliousness. Peking Opera performers, including Gu Chunzhang and Li Guang, played the role not only in China but also abroad, including in France, Canada, and Japan. Li Guang has been coaching Qu and Zhu for the upcoming performance.

Several other important characters appear alongside Sun Wukong, among them Nezha.

Bai Weichen, a 38-year-old Peking Opera actress, plays the role of Nezha, a powerful, heroic figure who plays a key part in the celestial battle against Sun Wukong.

Nezha is often depicted as energetic, fearless and loyal. While Sun Wukong is rebellious and mischievous, Nezha represents the traditional martial values of loyalty and duty, often clashing with the Monkey King's defiance of heaven.

"Nezha is often portrayed as a young child, usually in his early teens or sometimes even younger, depending on the interpretation. While the character's youthful energy and playful nature are key to his persona, it is especially challenging for an adult actor to embody the role," says Bai, whose grandfather and father are both Peking Opera performers. She began her training at 13 and came to specialize in the wudan role — a martial arts role for female characters. "I try to capture the character's movements, which are quick, energetic, and playful, and example of the boundless energy of youth. For an adult actor, channeling childlike exuberance while maintaining the character's combat abilities and personality is a challenge."

For Bai, the production is not just a professional endeavor, but embodies a deep emotional connection to a timeless story.

"I look forward to bringing this classic legend to life again. It still resonates with the audience," she says.