Nov 27 The Monkey King – The Gathering of Heroes: an intercultural triumph that lights up Montreal

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Aurore Liang artiste et ses collaborateurs, along with dignitaries. Photo: Feuille Volante

Following the resounding success of The Birth of the Monkey King last year, Aurore Liang artiste et ses collaborateurs return with a spectacular new chapter: The Monkey King – Building a Legendary TeamDespite uncertainties related to the STM strike, the November 14 and 15 performances sold out in a matter of days. The special evening on November 22, organized by the Consulate General of China in Montreal, also filled the Studio Théâtre des Grands Ballets Canadiens. Such enthusiasm confirms the unique place of The Monkey King in the hearts of Montreal audiences.

A Chinese classic reinvented for Quebec audiences

The show is inspired by the mythical novel Journey to the West. It tells the story of the formation of the legendary quartet: Tripitaka, the big-hearted monk, accompanied by three colorful disciples—the Monkey King, Bajie, and Wujing. Through lively, colorful, and humorous staging, the story highlights the strong values of Chinese culture: personal growth, discipline, courage, and solidarity. To make the work accessible to all, the team offers an original artistic approach combining Pingshu, live guzheng music, Beijing opera, and shadow theater, all brought together by Quebec-style artistic direction.

An exceptional artistic creation

After more than twenty versions of the script, the show stands out as a true recreation. At the heart of the project is Aurore Liang, a Pingshu actress and director, who plays no fewer than fourteen characters. She moves with ease from narrator to Monkey King, then to other mythical figures, offering a powerful performance. The performers contribute to a rich and vibrant universe: Michelle Jiang embodies a lively, acrobatic, and mischievous Monkey King; Nathan Chagoya plays a funny and irresistible Bajie; Enora Hwang moves effortlessly between Tripitaka, a robust Wujing, and the delicate Cui Lan; Wang Ran envelops the stage in melodies thanks to the guzheng; and Camille Courier de Mérè's sets add a remarkable visual dimension. The result is a show that appeals to both lovers of Chinese culture and those seeking a new artistic experience.

A remarkable public enthusiasm

All three performances were sold out a week before opening night, a rare feat during a period of public transportation disruptions. Some families traveled across the greater Montreal area so as not to miss the Monkey King's return to the stage. The evening of November 22 brought together nearly 300 guests, including representatives from the cultural, diplomatic, and economic communities. All praised the show's role in developing cultural exchanges between Canada and China and its contribution to Montreal's multiculturalism.

“Ten years, ten episodes”: an ambitious cultural vision

After two successful installments, the team is now embarking on a long-term project: to create ten episodes in ten years, first in French, then in English, in order to reach an even wider international audience. Aurore Liang Artiste et ses collaborateurs invite artists, institutions, patrons, and partners to support this cultural initiative and participate in the rise of the Monkey King on stages across Quebec, Canada, and the world.