With a cast of 22 actors and 15 musicians from Taiwan, this is an astonishing theatrical adventure that is exclusive to Brisbane Festival 2008. This extraordinary theatre production is based on Shakespeare’s Macbeth and incorporates the outstanding elements of traditional Chinese opera with sophisticated singing, intricate dancing and thrilling acrobatic fighting.

The story is set in the period of China’s Warring States over 2000 years ago at the peak of feudalism, while the nation of Chi is prey to the greed and ambition of Earl Wei-Lei. East City Defender, Au-Shu, and his deputy, Meng, are called to put down Earl Wei-Lei’s rebellion. On the way home from their triumphant expedition, they encounter the Mountain Spirit, who reveals their victorious and tragic futures.

Taiwan’s Contemporary Legend Theatre has created a mesmerising adaptation of Macbeth, resulting in a fusion of traditional Chinese Opera and modern theatre, establishing a brilliant combination of the East and West.

With elaborate costumes and spectacular stage design, The Kingdom of Desire, features the phenomenal Wu Hsing-Kuo, who appeared alongside Plácido Domingo in Tan Dun’s breathtaking opera The First Emperor at New York’s Metropolitan Opera House in 2007, as well as brilliant Chinese Opera star Wei Hai-Min.

“This is exciting theatre. Such a well conceived innovation that combines the dazzle of Peking Opera with the strengths of Western realism.”
The Guardian, UK

“From The Contemporary Legend Theatre, I see the dream of the theatre of the world.” Ariane Mnouchkine, Artistic Director, Le Theatre du Soleil, France

“…That can be enjoyed without knowledge of either Shakespeare or Chinese.”
Evening Standard, UK.

FEATURING

DRAMATURGE: Chung Ming-Der
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR/DIRECTOR: Wu Hsing-Kuo
PRODUCER: Lin Hsiu-Wei
ADAPTER: Lee Huei-Ming
SET DESIGNER: Deng Kuen-Yen
LIGHTING DESIGNER: Lin Keh-Hua
COSTUME DESIGNER: Lin Chin-Ru
COMPOSER: Liu Sung-Huei
PEKING OPERA COMPOSER: Wu Hsing-Kuo
ARRANGER: Ma Chin-Liang
SET PRODUCTION: Chang Yi-Cheng
FEATURING: Wu Hsing-Kuo, Wei Hai-Min, Ma Pao-Shan, Chu An-Li, Sheng Chien, Wang Kwan-Chiang, Tai Li-Wu, Lin Chao-Hsu, Liu Fu-Hsueh, Chang Fu-Yow, Chen Chin-Ho, Chen Min-Hung, Lee Chia-Chi,
CONDUCTOR: Liao Jin Lin
LEADER OF STRING SECTION: Hsu Ching-Chi
LEADER OF PERCUSSION: Chin Yen-Long