Traditional Art × Innovative Design — Acclaimed Revival of Reimagined Excerpts
Chinese Opera Masters Passing the Torch — Preserving and Innovating Cultural Heritage
Adapted from Jin Yong’s Iconic Novel — Honouring a Literary Legend
In 2024, Jin Yong Xiqu Theatre – The Smiling, Proud Wanderer became the first-ever stage production authorised by Jin Yong’s estate. Led by Zuni Icosahedron’s Artistic Director Mathias Woo, alongside esteemed Xiqu (Chinese opera) masters and rising stars, the production fused traditional Xiqu with advanced art technology in light, sound, and visuals. Featuring newly adapted Kunqu excerpts and Naamyam ballads, the performance celebrated the 100th birth anniversary of Jin Yong, the legendary master of wuxia literature.
The 2026 revival of Jin Yong Xiqu Theatre – The Smiling, Proud Wanderer offers a fresh perspective with two reimagined Kunqu excerpts and one Naamyam segment. This version explores the iconic characters of the martial arts epic through a distinctive lens, including: Invincible East performed by Kunqu virtuoso Kong Aiping, Nine Swords of the Lone Swordmaster directed by Xiqu innovator Zhou Long, Rapping the World of Martial Arts presented in Naamyam style by Yeung Kin-ping. The programme also features Meets Xiqu – The Smiling, Proud Wanderer, an engaging guided session designed to deepen audience appreciation for the art form. Through a vivid combination of traditional techniques and modern technology, the workshop reveals the intricate beauty of Xiqu.
With authorisation from Ming Ho Publications
Adapted from Jin Yong’s novel The Smiling, Proud Wanderer
Jin Yong
Mathias Woo
Zhou Long (Xiqu . Beijing)Kong Aiping (Kunqu . Nanjing)
Zhou Long (Xiqu . Beijing)Zhang Jing-jingZhang Xin-jia
Mathias Woo
Kong Aiping (Kunqu . Nanjing)Ren Jia-le (Jingju . Beijing)
Yeung Kin-ping (Naamyam . Hong Kong)
Cedric Chan
Lee Ken-tsai
Lai Tat-wing
Tian Ye
Joanna C. Lee
Mak Kwok Fai
Anthony Yeung
Favour Production
Lawrence Lee
Chow Chun-yin
Fan Man-yan
Li Tsz NangBenny WooJohnny Sze
Votion Studios
Betty Wang
Guo Ting
Bonnie Chan
Eric CHANEsion FOKSZE Chun YueXIAO Ruting
★ Grand Award for The East Creative Award (ECA) International Creative Design Contest
★ Gold Award in Communication Design (Corporate/Brand Identity), The East Creative Award (ECA)
★ Silver Award in Cultural / Community Interior Design—Theaters / Auditoriums, IDA Design Awards
★ Bronze Award in Architectural Design, ICIAD Award
★ Kyoto Global Design Award (Architectural Design)
★ International Council of Visual Arts (ICVA) Merit Award
★ Second Prize in The 8th Global Competition on Design for Future Education (Enterprise Track)
★ Kan Tai-keung Design Award (Integrated Design)
★ “Using Jin Yong’s literary works as a foundation for Xiqu experimentation, combining technology with Chinese opera, performance, and literature… something rarely seen in traditional Xiqu theatres.” — Tian Mansa (Chinese Opera Artist)
★ “We’ve never seen a Chinese opera before, or anything traditional. I thought it was wonderful. Classical! Spectacular!” — Ben and Sophie (Foreign Audience Members)
★ “What impressed me the most was the integration of Arts Tech. On this stage, it was the actors and the performance that led the art technology.” — Li Peiyan (Cantonese Opera Actress)
★ “I really appreciate how the opera was reinterpreted… the avant-garde visuals combined with traditional opera were truly inspiring for me.” — Keith Chan (Veteran Hong Kong Musician)
★ “I never imagined that Jin Yong’s novels and their essence could be presented through the movements of Xiqu!” — Chan Pui-shan (Cantonese Opera Performer)
★ “It was deeply moving! Through the stage visuals, you could truly feel the characters’ love and hatred so vividly.” — Victor Wong (Multimedia Artist, Winner of the Hong Kong Film Awards and Golden Horse Awards for Best Visual Effects)
Those who seek divine combat skills must first castrate themselves. The undefeatable cult leader is also an obsessive lover who would give up power for attractive men. During his conquest of the martial arts world, Dongfang Bubai has transformed from sheng (male) to dan (female). Is he really invincible?
Xiqu Director, Performer: Kong Ai-ping
Scriptwriter: Zhang Jing-jing
Linghu Chong is punished with temporary exile at a cliff to reflect on his acquaintance with evil schools. In a cave, he discovers that evil swordsmen had deciphered the secret technique of his own school and loses his faith in the Mount Hua School. At this moment of doubt he meets Feng Qingyang, a senior at Mount Hua School who coaches his swordplay, and eventually masters the all-powerful Nine Swords of Dugu!
Xiqu Director, Scriptwriter: Zhou Long
Scriptwriter: Zhang Xin-jia
Performer: Ren Jia-le
Read-singing in Naamyam Jin Yong’s classic wuxia novel The Smiling, Proud Wanderer. Narrating brutal bloodsheds, singing about favours and grudges in the martial arts world.
Naamyam Writing / Performer: Yeung Kin-ping
Standard：￥180、￥280、￥380
Available on the Guangzhou Opera House Ticketing Webpage
Limited-time 10% off: From 15/5 to 31/5, orders of tickets priced at 280 or 380 will enjoy a limited-time 10% off, plus discounts for annual members.
Zuni has specially launched a Xiqu mobile application to complement the programme, allowing audiences to explore traditional performing arts in an engaging and accessible manner. Through text, images, and video demonstrations, the app offers a multimedia pathway to understanding the art form.
A themed installation will be set up outside the theatre. Audiences are welcome to use the mobile application to scan the markers on the tags before or after the performance to discover surprises!
Supported Languages: Traditional Chinese, English, Simplified Chinese
Featured Content: Singing(Chang), Recitation(Nian), Acting(Zuo), Martial Arts(Da), Xiqu Roles, Xiqu Symbolism, Codification in Xiqu
Running time approximately 90 minutes, with no intermission included.
Performed in Chinese with Chinese subtitles.
One ticket per person. Recommended for audiences aged 6 and above.
No latecomers will be admitted, until a suitable break in the performance.
Zuni Icosahedron reserves the right to add, withdraw or substitute artists and/or vary advertised programmes and seating arrangements.
General Manager (Programme): Doris Kan
Tour Manager: Bowie Chow
Administration Manager: Colin Cheng
Project Assistant: Yumi Hui
Coding: Cordex Intelligence Limited (Frankie Pang, Derek Tsang, Ronald Shea, Tiffany Leung)
Coordinators: Ho Yin-hei, Chow Chun-yin
User Interface Design Execution: Alva Lam, Coco Cheung
Research: Chuk Yin-man, Zachary Pink Yung
Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Guangdong, The Government of the HKSAR
Guangzhou Opera House
Ming Ho Publications