The most recognisable character in Chinese storytelling, and the one a Western audience is most likely to already know.
WHAT IT IS
Sun Wukong — the Monkey King — is the central figure of Journey to the West, one of the four great classical novels of Chinese literature and the source of roughly every monkey-hero in Asian popular culture since.
On stage he is a Peking opera role: full face paint, elaborate costume, the golden staff, and a movement vocabulary that is genuinely acrobatic. The performer has to be a martial artist and a comedian at once — Sun Wukong is mischievous, arrogant and very fast, and the character does not work if any of that is missing.
WHY IT TRAVELS BETTER THAN ALMOST ANYTHING
Most Chinese cultural performance needs a moment of context. The Monkey King does not. Between Journey to the West adaptations, animation, film and video games, an international audience arrives already knowing who this is — and the ones who do not simply see a spectacular character doing spectacular things.
He is also the strongest character in this catalogue for interaction. Unlike an ensemble piece, the Monkey King can work a room, pose with guests, and hold a walkabout without a stage.
WHERE IT WORKS
- Gala stage — a three to five minute featured segment with staff work
- Walkabout and reception — greeting guests, photographs, comic interaction
- Film and television — a costumed character role with real martial technique behind it
- Family and resort programming — the single best act here for children
WHAT IT NEEDS
- Clear floor and height for staff work and tumbling
- Costume, face paint and staff travel with the performer
- Makeup takes time. Build it into the call sheet
- Solo, or paired with martial ensemble work for a larger segment
INTERNATIONAL BOOKINGS
Our performers travel. They hold valid passports, work in basic English alongside our bilingual production staff, and are experienced with international schedules and call sheets.
For overseas bookings we normally need four to six weeks for visas and documentation, though we have worked to shorter notice. Costume, props and instruments travel with the company.
We also cast for film, television and commercial shoots. On request we can supply portfolios, full-body reference photography, measurements, unedited performance video, and day and overtime rates.
Want The Monkey King at your event?
Tell us the setting and the moment you want it to land, and we will cast it.
More from ING
- Services → Chinese New Year Programming for Hotels & Resorts
- Our Work → Velaa Private Island, Maldives
- Performances → Iron Fireworks 打铁花