Join us for an inspiring conversation with Tony Award-winning playwright and librettist David Henry Hwang and celebrated composer Huang Ruo about their groundbreaking new opera, “The Monkey King,” which makes its world premiere at San Francisco’s War Memorial Opera House from November 14–30, 2025.

Based on the classic Chinese novel “Journey to the West,” this dynamic production fuses high-energy music and text with puppetry, dance, Peking opera, and Buddhist sutras as it brings to life the legendary origin story of the Monkey King.

Organized by China Institute of America in partnership with the Asian Art Museum, this program offers a unique opportunity to hear directly from these visionary artists as they share insights into their creative process, reflect on their most significant works, and discuss the art of cross-cultural storytelling. Together, they will examine the timeless power of myth to illuminate questions of identity, transformation, and freedom in the modern world.

Program tickets are required for entry. Seating begins at 4 p.m. Ticketholder entry is guaranteed only until 4:20 p.m. Unclaimed seats will be released to the rush line on a first-come, first-served basis should space become available.