The Emperor, his Mom, a Eunuch and a Man

Hong Kong Arts Centre Shouson Theatre
21.03.2026 - 05.04.2026

A strange tale of the Qing court is retold on stage
In the mighty torrent of history, a power struggle unfolds

During the reign of Qing Emperor Tongzhi, the eunuch An Dehai was an all-powerful aide to the Empress Dowager Cixi. Using the excuse of procuring a dragon robe to leave the Forbidden City, he was arraigned by the magistrate Ding Baozhen while travelling in Shandong. As messengers dart from one place to another, An’s fate is on the edge of a precipice… will he survive? There may be a flicker of hope in the royal court, but others want him dead. Everything hangs by a thread…

The Emperor, his Mom, a Eunuch and a Man premiered in 2013 and won six accolades at the 23^rd Hong Kong Drama Awards. Subsequent re-runs in 2014 and 2015 as well as touring performances in Guangzhou, Shanghai and Beijing received much critical acclaim. The script depicts real characters in the Qing court reflecting the world at large, highlighting the complexity of human character and relationships. Roy Szeto returns to direct this story of a unique dynastic episode along with distinct sets and staging, retelling a piece of history as penned by Poon Wai Sum.

“This episode of 'family conflict' is rife with tension on the level of the script, direction as well as acting. Not only does it show how the inner court twists human character, also reflect on the complexity of the political situation toward the end of the Qing dynasty.”

— Cheung Ping Kuen, Theatre Critic

“Poon Wai Sum doesn’t want us to see historical truth. This story can take place anytime anywhere, but what we see clearly is a truthful portait of human character.”

— Tang Ching Kin, ArtsLink

The 23^rd Hong Kong Drama Awards
※Best Performance of the Year
※Best Director (Tragedy/Drama) - Roy Szeto
※Best Supporting Actor (Tragedy/Drama) - Chan Suk Yi
※Best Costume Design - Kenneth Leung
※Best Image Design - Kenneth Leung, He Mingsong
※Top Ten Most Popular Productions

Sponsor

Ticketing

URBTIX

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Performance Date & Venue

Hong Kong Arts Centre Shouson Theatre
8pm 21^, 24-28, 31.3.2026
3pm 22#, 28-29#.3.2026

8pm 1-4^.4.2026
3pm 4-5.4.2026
$400 / $300 / $200
$360 / $260 / $180 (Applicable to 24-26, 31.3, 1.4)
^Additional Performance
# With post-performance talk
Accessible Performance with Audio Description (Cantonese) on April 5 (Please call 2777 1771 to reserve the audio description device in advance)

Presented in Cantonese with Chinese and English surtitles
This programme contains strong language and occasional nudity scene
Recommended for ages 15 and above
Children under 6 will not be admitted
No latecomers will be admitted until a suitable break in the programme

Ticketing Info

For HKRep Pals Members

15% discount

For HKRep Green Pals Members

30% discount

Other Ticket Discounts

50% discount for
Full-time Students (limited offer)
Senior Citizens aged 60 or above (limited offer)
People with disabilities & the minder. For purchase of each concessionary ticket for people with disabilities, the customer can purchase one ticket of same concession for a minder.

10% discount for (only valid for regular priced tickets available at URBTIX)
Members of CCDC Dance Inspirations
Club Bravo members of Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra
Zuni’s Friends
Friends of The Hong Kong Ballet
Friends of Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra
Friends of HK Dance Company Classic / Prestige Member
Chung Ying Theatre “Energy Fun Club” members (max. 2 tickets)

10% discount for (only valid for regular priced tickets available at URBTIX outlets upon presentation of valid membership / staff cards)
Members of HKAPA Alumni Association
Members of Hong Kong Chinese Civil Servant’s Association
FANCL Club Members
Staff of Shun Hing Group
My Book One@SUPerCard members
Members of Hong Kong Arts Administrators Association
Members or Staff of Broadway Photo Supply Limited
Members of CCDC Student Dance Inspirations
Members of Hong Kong Association of Theatre Technicians & Scenographers
Members of Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra (HK Phil)’s Young Audience Scheme

Tickets now available at URBTIX

Telephone Booking: 3166 1288
Internet Booking: www.urbtix.hk
Mobile App: URBTIX（Android, HarmonyOS & iPhone/iPad versions）
Ticketing Enquiries: 3166 1100

Programme Enquiries: 3103 5900

Cast & Production Team

Playwright	Poon Wai Sum
Director	Roy Szeto
Main Cast	Lau Shau Ching Pang Hang Ying Chan Suk Yi Jason Wang Kiki Cheung Tunes Ting Lo Man Chak
Set Designer	Tsang Man Tung
Costume Designer	Kenneth Leung
Lighting Designer	Fungkwokkeegabriel
Composer & Sound Designer	Chan Wai Fat
Cantonese Opera Consultant & Coach	Loong Koon Tin
Xiqu Movement Coach	Hong Hai*
Assistant Director	Yau Ting Fai
	*With the kind permission of The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts

Hong Kong Repertory Theatre is financially supported by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region

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