The original Cantonese musical “King of the Court” debuts in mainland China.
As the final production of the 2025 Original Chinese Musical Showcase Season, the original Cantonese musical “The Great Advocate” premiered at the Shanghai Culture Square on the 17th and will run for 12 performances.
Shanghai Culture Square Theater atmosphere.
The original Cantonese musical “The Great Advocate” is derived from a folk tale in Guangdong at the end of the Qing Dynasty, centered around Fang Tangjing, one of the “Four Great Advocates of Guangdong” who historically existed. After ten years of brewing and meticulous polishing, it was officially performed in two rounds in Hong Kong, China from 2022 to 2023. At the 31st Hong Kong Stage Drama Awards, “The Great Advocate” won ten awards including Best Production, Best Original Music (Musical), Best Lyrics, and Best Director.
The play tells a legendary story of grudges and redemption: Fang Tangjing, the “King of Advocates” in Guangdong, commits
About: Shanghai Culture Square
Shanghai Culture Square is a prominent cultural and entertainment venue located in the heart of Shanghai, China. Originally a golf course and then a sports stadium, the site was transformed into a modern theater complex and opened to the public in 2011. The venue is known for hosting large-scale musicals, theatrical performances, and cultural events, positioning itself as a key player in Shanghai’s cultural scene and enhancing the city’s global cultural reputation.
About: Guangdong
Guangdong is a coastal province in Southeast China, renowned for its pivotal role in the country’s economic reform and as a gateway for foreign influences since the Opium Wars. Historically, it served as a major terminus of the Maritime Silk Road, facilitating extensive trade and cultural exchanges. Today, Guangdong remains one of China’s most populous and economically vibrant regions, known for its manufacturing industries and as the home of the Cantonese language and cuisine.
About: Qing Dynasty
The Qing Dynasty, established in 1636 and ruling China from 1644 to 1912, was the last imperial dynasty of China, founded by the Manchu clan Aisin Gioro in what is modern Northeast China. Under Qing rule, China expanded to include Taiwan, Central Asia, Mongolia, and Tibet, creating a multi-ethnic empire with a complex administration system. The dynasty saw initial prosperity and military strength but eventually faced internal rebellions and external pressures, leading to its decline and fall in the early 20th century, paving the way for the establishment of the Republic of China.
About: Hong Kong
Hong Kong is a vibrant city located on the southern coast of China, known for its impressive skyline, deep natural harbor, and bustling population. Historically, it was a British colony from 1842 until its sovereignty was transferred to China in 1997 under the principle of “one country, two systems.” Today, Hong Kong is a major global financial center and a melting pot of Eastern and Western cultures, though it has faced significant political and social challenges in recent years regarding its autonomy and freedoms.
About: Hong Kong Stage Drama Awards
The Hong Kong Stage Drama Awards, established in 1993, are dedicated to recognizing outstanding achievements in Hong Kong’s theatre industry. The awards celebrate excellence in a variety of categories including acting, directing, and technical aspects of stage productions. This annual event highlights the vibrant theatrical talent and creativity within the region, fostering growth and appreciation for the performing arts in Hong Kong.
