
The Emperor, his Mom, a Eunuch and a Man
- Hong Kong Arts Centre Shouson Theatre
- 22.03.2026 - 05.04.2026
A strange tale of the Qing court is retold on stage
In the mighty torrent of history, a power struggle unfolds
※Best Performance of the Year
※Best Director (Tragedy/Drama) - Roy Szeto
※Best Leading Actor (Tragedy/Drama) - Chan Suk Yi
※Best Costume Design - Kenneth Leung
※Best Image Design - Kenneth Leung, He Mingsong
※Outstanding Productions of the Year
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. 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 23rd 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 32nd Hong Kong Drama Awards ※Best Performance of the Year
※Best Director (Tragedy/Drama) - Roy Szeto
※Best Leading Actor (Tragedy/Drama) - Chan Suk Yi
※Best Costume Design - Kenneth Leung
※Best Image Design - Kenneth Leung, He Mingsong
※Outstanding Productions of the Year
Sponsor

Performance Date & Venue
- Hong Kong Arts Centre Shouson Theatre
- 8pm 24-28, 31.3.2026
3pm 22, 28-29.3.2026
8pm 1-3.4.2026
3pm 4-5.4.2026 - $400 / $300 / $200
$360 / $260 / $180 (Applicable to 24-26, 31.3, 1.4)
- Presented in Cantonese with Chinese and English surtitles
- This programme contains strong language and occasional nudity scene
- Recommended for ages 15 and above
Ticketing Info
Advance Booking Discounts
Advance booking discounts are valid only for a limited supply of standard tickets on a first-come-first-served basis.
For more information, please visit: HKREP 2025-26 Season
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.
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.
Advance Booking Tickets
Available at POPTICKET from 27.3 to 8.4.2025
BEST PRICE UP TO 30% OFF
Ticketing Enquiries: ask@popticket.hk
Box Office Commencement
Available at URBTIX from 5.2.2026 onwards
Programme Enquiries: 3103 5900
Available at POPTICKET from 27.3 to 8.4.2025
BEST PRICE UP TO 30% OFF
Ticketing Enquiries: ask@popticket.hk
Box Office Commencement
Available at URBTIX from 5.2.2026 onwards
Programme Enquiries: 3103 5900
Cast & Production Team
Playwright | Poon Wai Sum |
Director | Roy Szeto |
Main Cast | Lau Shau Ching Chan Suk Yi Pang Hang Ying Ko Hon Man Tunes Ting |