Hero, rebel, warrior, icon—who is the real Great Sage of Heaven? After a great pilgrimage, an ageing Sun Wukong looks back on his life and ponders his myriad manifestations.

The story of the legendary figure has been retold countless times in television shows, movies, anime, and digital games. Each version casts the Monkey King in a different light, shaping and adding depth to his mythical status, and reflecting the cultural nuances and anxieties of the time he was created in.

Step into the world of Wukong’s 72 Transformations, where the Singapore Chinese Orchestra, led by conductor Quek Ling Kiong, explores the many facets of the global icon in an immersive concert experience. Written and directed by veteran theatre artist and puppeteer Benjamin Ho, featuring original music composed and arranged by Singaporean composer Benjamin Lim Yi, this captivating concert unleashes Wukong’s spirit in bold new ways. Expect a thrilling fusion of tradition and modern flair, where puppetry, iconic melodies, and stunning visuals collide on stage, creating a mythical experience that is familiar, nostalgic and enjoyable for all who have heard of him.

The concert features original music, arrangements and underscore by Singaporean composer Benjamin Lim Yi, alongside works by a diverse group of composers whose music has shaped Wukong’s sonic identity across generations, including Law Wai Lun, Lincoln Lo, Chen Ning-chi, Xu Jingqing, Lowell Lo, and Dai Quan. Together, these musical voices create a rich and layered soundscape that bridges tradition and contemporary expression.
Performed by Gerald Ng, Daisy Zhao and Miranda Ng, Wukong’s 72 Transformation offers a thrilling fusion of tradition and modern flair, where puppetry, iconic melodies, and stunning visuals collide on stage, creating a mythical experience that is familiar, nostalgic and enjoyable for all who have heard of him.

Wukong’s 72 Transformations is co-produced by Singapore Chinese Orchestra and Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay.