Golden Lotus
A musical adaptation of the infamous Chinese novel Jin Ping Mei which tells the story of the forsaken beauty, Golden Lotus, whose desire for true love leads her into a blood soaked web of passion, deception, and desperation with the the valiant tiger slayer Wu Sung, the rich and powerful Xi Men, and the humble peddler Wu Da. Filmed live at the Y Theatre in Hong Kong in 2014.
Where to watch
theatrical history
First published in 1610, Jin Ping Mei ("The Golden Lotus," or "The Plum in the Golden Vase") is an immensely influential Chinese novel by an unknown author that was groundbreaking for its depiction of everyday people, and scandalous for its erotic content.
Canadian/Taiwanese actor and composer George Chiang began work on a musical adaptation of Jin Ping Mei in 2001. In 2002, George Gao, an accomplished erhu master, was brought on to help infuse the pop rock score with traditional Chinese music.
In 2003, Golden Lotus was accepted to the ASCAP Foundation/DisneyTheatrical Productions Musical Theatre Workshop where the musical received two performances.
Following further rewrites and development, music from the show was presented at the Centre of Vancouver for Performing Arts.
Throughout 2008-2009, Golden Lotus received further development through Script Lab’s Engels Lehman Musical Theatre Workshop in Toronto.
After 13 years of development, Golden Lotus received its world premier production at Y-Theatre in Hong Kong on September 12, 2014. The show was billed as “Hong Kong’s first musical.” (see Film History below).
Golden Lotus was nominated for three Hecklers Awards including Best Show, Best Actress (Harriet Chung), and Best Original Work, winning for the latter.
Following the run in Hong Kong, Golden Lotus was performed in Shanghai, China.
The Golden Lotus cast recording is available on all streaming platforms including Spotify, Apple, and Amazon.
Canadian/Taiwanese actor and composer George Chiang began work on a musical adaptation of Jin Ping Mei in 2001. In 2002, George Gao, an accomplished erhu master, was brought on to help infuse the pop rock score with traditional Chinese music.
In 2003, Golden Lotus was accepted to the ASCAP Foundation/DisneyTheatrical Productions Musical Theatre Workshop where the musical received two performances.
Following further rewrites and development, music from the show was presented at the Centre of Vancouver for Performing Arts.
Throughout 2008-2009, Golden Lotus received further development through Script Lab’s Engels Lehman Musical Theatre Workshop in Toronto.
After 13 years of development, Golden Lotus received its world premier production at Y-Theatre in Hong Kong on September 12, 2014. The show was billed as “Hong Kong’s first musical.” (see Film History below).
Golden Lotus was nominated for three Hecklers Awards including Best Show, Best Actress (Harriet Chung), and Best Original Work, winning for the latter.
Following the run in Hong Kong, Golden Lotus was performed in Shanghai, China.
The Golden Lotus cast recording is available on all streaming platforms including Spotify, Apple, and Amazon.
Film history
Golden Lotus premiered at the Y-Theatre in Hong Kong on September 12, 2014 where it played four performances.
The production was directed by Emily Chan, with music arrangements and music direction by George Gao, vocal arrangements by Tim Stiff and Harriet Chung, choreography by Ivy Chung, scenic and costume design by Moe Mo, lighting design by Zoe Cheung, sound design by Po Wing, projection design by Oliver Shing, and Libby Cheung serving as the production manager.
The cast included Harriet Chung (Golden Lotus), Boon Ho Sung (Wu Sung), Ronan Pak Kin Yan (Xi Men), Billy Sy (Wu Da), Samantha Yeung (Madam Wang), Marc Nigan (Fruit Peddler), Scott Watanabe (District Indentant), Soraya Chau (Ping), with Arthur Mak, Charlie Leung, Dorothy Sek, Tidus Ngan, Vivian Chau, Tse Kap Yin, Emily Hui, Carman Li, Kelvin Mak, Justin Wong, Fok Ka Wing, and Elizabeth Chan in the ensemble, and Natasha Chun, Natalie Chun, Jane Kwan Yan Yan, Nicole Wai, Wing Huen Ngai, Roby Lui, andPeony Belle Ng in the children’s ensemble.
Golden Lotus received mixed reviews. While critics noted the importance of the musical in the Chinese theatre scene, the production was felt to be lacking in its execution. Harriet Chung was praised for her performance, and critics also made note of the fusion of pop/rock and traditional Chinese music.
Writing for Coconuts Hong Kong, Lynn Gong felt that the musical made the original novel “more accessible… and does well in transforming a classic Chinese tale into one that is comprehensible to a larger audience.” Gong felt however that the show did not “go beyond the superficial Chinese elements.” Gong praised the performances of the lead cast, particularly Harriet Chung for bringing “a refreshing quality… with her beautiful voice and graceful ballet moves,” and felt overall the musical was “an encouraging attempt to cross cultural and language barriers.”
MadBuzzHK’s critic Raymond Lee felt that despite some “awkwardly slow,” transitions, the musical was “overall… a great and novel experience for the theatre lover.”
Golden Lotus was filmed live during its run at the Y-Theatre with the intention of using the film to pitch to international producers.
Following the 2020 global pandemic, the creative team decided to pivot and pitch the stage recording to film festivals. Between 2021 and 2023, Golden Lotus was submitted to dozens of film festivals worldwide.
Golden Lotus has since won over 60 awards including Best Picture of the Festival at The World Independent Cinema Awards (see Awards and Nominations below). An uncredited writer for FilmmakerLife stated “Vibrant, energetic and powerful, Golden Lotus is a tour de force of great performances and stunning choreography.”
On May 1, 2024, Golden Lotus was released on the Stratford Festival’s online platform Stratfest@Home where it is currently available to view on demand. A subscription to StratFest@Home currently costs $7.99US per month, $79.99US for a year. A free 7 day trial is also available.
The production was directed by Emily Chan, with music arrangements and music direction by George Gao, vocal arrangements by Tim Stiff and Harriet Chung, choreography by Ivy Chung, scenic and costume design by Moe Mo, lighting design by Zoe Cheung, sound design by Po Wing, projection design by Oliver Shing, and Libby Cheung serving as the production manager.
The cast included Harriet Chung (Golden Lotus), Boon Ho Sung (Wu Sung), Ronan Pak Kin Yan (Xi Men), Billy Sy (Wu Da), Samantha Yeung (Madam Wang), Marc Nigan (Fruit Peddler), Scott Watanabe (District Indentant), Soraya Chau (Ping), with Arthur Mak, Charlie Leung, Dorothy Sek, Tidus Ngan, Vivian Chau, Tse Kap Yin, Emily Hui, Carman Li, Kelvin Mak, Justin Wong, Fok Ka Wing, and Elizabeth Chan in the ensemble, and Natasha Chun, Natalie Chun, Jane Kwan Yan Yan, Nicole Wai, Wing Huen Ngai, Roby Lui, andPeony Belle Ng in the children’s ensemble.
Golden Lotus received mixed reviews. While critics noted the importance of the musical in the Chinese theatre scene, the production was felt to be lacking in its execution. Harriet Chung was praised for her performance, and critics also made note of the fusion of pop/rock and traditional Chinese music.
Writing for Coconuts Hong Kong, Lynn Gong felt that the musical made the original novel “more accessible… and does well in transforming a classic Chinese tale into one that is comprehensible to a larger audience.” Gong felt however that the show did not “go beyond the superficial Chinese elements.” Gong praised the performances of the lead cast, particularly Harriet Chung for bringing “a refreshing quality… with her beautiful voice and graceful ballet moves,” and felt overall the musical was “an encouraging attempt to cross cultural and language barriers.”
MadBuzzHK’s critic Raymond Lee felt that despite some “awkwardly slow,” transitions, the musical was “overall… a great and novel experience for the theatre lover.”
Golden Lotus was filmed live during its run at the Y-Theatre with the intention of using the film to pitch to international producers.
Following the 2020 global pandemic, the creative team decided to pivot and pitch the stage recording to film festivals. Between 2021 and 2023, Golden Lotus was submitted to dozens of film festivals worldwide.
Golden Lotus has since won over 60 awards including Best Picture of the Festival at The World Independent Cinema Awards (see Awards and Nominations below). An uncredited writer for FilmmakerLife stated “Vibrant, energetic and powerful, Golden Lotus is a tour de force of great performances and stunning choreography.”
On May 1, 2024, Golden Lotus was released on the Stratford Festival’s online platform Stratfest@Home where it is currently available to view on demand. A subscription to StratFest@Home currently costs $7.99US per month, $79.99US for a year. A free 7 day trial is also available.
cast & creative credits
Theatre: Y-Theatre, Hong Kong
Producer: George Chiang & Ivy Chung
Music & Libretto: George Chiang
Director: Emily Chan
Film Director: Emily Chan
Music Arranger and Director: George Gao
Vocal Arrangements: Tim Stiff
Vocal Arrangements/Vocal Coach: Harriet Chung
Choreography: Ivy Chung
Scenic and Costume Design: Moe Mo
Lighting Design: Zoe Cheung
Sound Design: Po Wing
Projection Design: Oliver Shing
Stage Manager: Libby Cheung
Film Editor: Eddie Lo and Bezayit Menier
Cast:
Harriet Chung (Golden Lotus)
Boon Ho Sung (Wu Sung)
Ronan Pak Kin Yan (Xi Men)
Billy Sy (Wu Da)
Samantha Yeung (Madam Wang)
Marc Nigan (Fruit Peddler)
Scott Watanabe (District Indentant)
Soraya Chau (Ping)
Ensemble:
Arthur Mak
Charlie Leung
Dorothy Sek
Tidus Ngan
Vivian Chau
Tse Kap Yin
Emily Hui
Carman Li
Kelvin Mak
Justin Wong
Fok Ka Wing
Elizabeth Chan
Children’s Ensemble:
Natasha Chun
Natalie Chun
Jane Kwan Yan Yan
Nicole Wai
Wing Huen Ngai
Roby Lui
Peony Belle Ng
Producer: George Chiang & Ivy Chung
Music & Libretto: George Chiang
Director: Emily Chan
Film Director: Emily Chan
Music Arranger and Director: George Gao
Vocal Arrangements: Tim Stiff
Vocal Arrangements/Vocal Coach: Harriet Chung
Choreography: Ivy Chung
Scenic and Costume Design: Moe Mo
Lighting Design: Zoe Cheung
Sound Design: Po Wing
Projection Design: Oliver Shing
Stage Manager: Libby Cheung
Film Editor: Eddie Lo and Bezayit Menier
Cast:
Harriet Chung (Golden Lotus)
Boon Ho Sung (Wu Sung)
Ronan Pak Kin Yan (Xi Men)
Billy Sy (Wu Da)
Samantha Yeung (Madam Wang)
Marc Nigan (Fruit Peddler)
Scott Watanabe (District Indentant)
Soraya Chau (Ping)
Ensemble:
Arthur Mak
Charlie Leung
Dorothy Sek
Tidus Ngan
Vivian Chau
Tse Kap Yin
Emily Hui
Carman Li
Kelvin Mak
Justin Wong
Fok Ka Wing
Elizabeth Chan
Children’s Ensemble:
Natasha Chun
Natalie Chun
Jane Kwan Yan Yan
Nicole Wai
Wing Huen Ngai
Roby Lui
Peony Belle Ng
awards & nominations
* denotes winner
World Independent Cinema Awards (2023)
World Class Film Awards (2023)
Barcelona International Film Festival (2022)
Canadian Cinematography Awards (2022)
Dreamz Catcher International Film Festival (2022)
Film Fest International London, 2022
Film Fest International Paris, 2022
Film Fest International Rome, 2022
Madrid International Film Festival, 2022
Moscow Russia International Film Festival, 2022
Mykonos International Film Festival, 2022
Prague International Film Festival, 2022
River Atrayee International Film Festival, 2022
Seoul International Monthly Film Festival, 2022
Amsterdam International Film Festival, 2021
Athens International Art Film Festival, 2021
Best Actor & Director Awards – New York, 2021
Cinematic Europe Film Festival, 2021
Filmmaker Life Awards, 2021
Golden Sparrow International Film Festival, 2021*
Hollywood Global Film Festival, 2021
Hollywood Gold Awards, 2021
London Movie Awards, 2021
Megaflix Film Awards, 2021
Munich Music Video Awards, 2021
Naples Film Awards, 2021
New York International Film Awards, 2021
New York Movie Awards, 2021
Oniros Film Awards, 2021
Only The Best International Film Awards, 2021
Pure Magic International Film Festival, 2021
San Diego Movie Awards, 2021
Virgin Spring Cinefest, 2021
Hecklers Awards, 2015
World Independent Cinema Awards (2023)
- Best Picture of the Festival*
World Class Film Awards (2023)
- Best Producer*
- Best Acting Ensemble*
Barcelona International Film Festival (2022)
- Best Producer*
- Best Actress*
- Best Costume Design*
- Best Actor (Honorable Mention)
Canadian Cinematography Awards (2022)
- Best Original Score*
- Best Song*
Dreamz Catcher International Film Festival (2022)
- Best Performing Arts*
- Best Actress*
Film Fest International London, 2022
- Jury Award*
- Best Hair & Makeup*
Film Fest International Paris, 2022
- Best Picture of the Festival*
- Outstanding Actress in an English Language Film*
Film Fest International Rome, 2022
- Best Director*
Madrid International Film Festival, 2022
- Best Original Score
- Best Supporting Actress
Moscow Russia International Film Festival, 2022
- Best Music Feature*
Mykonos International Film Festival, 2022
- Best Music Feature Film*
Prague International Film Festival, 2022
- Filmmaker of the Year*
- Best Original Score (Honorable Mention)
- Best Editing (Honorable Mention)
River Atrayee International Film Festival, 2022
- Best Performing Arts*
Seoul International Monthly Film Festival, 2022
- Best Production Design*
Amsterdam International Film Festival, 2021
- Best Original Score*
Athens International Art Film Festival, 2021
- Best Art Film*
Best Actor & Director Awards – New York, 2021
- Best Actress in a Musical*
Cinematic Europe Film Festival, 2021
- Best Original Score*
Filmmaker Life Awards, 2021
- Best Musical Film*
- Best Film Score Composition*
Golden Sparrow International Film Festival, 2021*
- Best Original Score – Feature Film
Hollywood Global Film Festival, 2021
- Best Musical Film*
Hollywood Gold Awards, 2021
- Best Original Song (Gold Award)*
- Best Producer (Gold Award)*
- Best Costume Design (Gold Award)*
- Best Makeup & Hairstyling (Gold Award)*
London Movie Awards, 2021
- Best Original Song*
Megaflix Film Awards, 2021
- Best Musical Film*
Munich Music Video Awards, 2021
- Best Musical Feature Film*
Naples Film Awards, 2021
- Best Original Score*
New York International Film Awards, 2021
- Best Musical Film*
New York Movie Awards, 2021
- Best Original Score*
- Best Costume Design*
- Makeup & Hairstyling (Honorable Mention)
Oniros Film Awards, 2021
- Best Musical Film*
- Grand Jury Award*
Only The Best International Film Awards, 2021
- Best Original Song or Score*
- Best Musical, Short or Feature Film*
- Best Actress (Special Award)
Pure Magic International Film Festival, 2021
- Best Original Musical*
- Best Musical Score*
- Best Original Song*
San Diego Movie Awards, 2021
- Best Original Music*
Virgin Spring Cinefest, 2021
- Best Music Score (Gold Award)*
Hecklers Awards, 2015
- Best Original Work*
filmed live musicals podcast
Host Luisa Lyons chats with writer and composer George Chiang and actor Harriet Chung, the creator and star of the multi award winning musical Golden Lotus. Based on the influential, and often controversial, Chinese novel Jin Ping Mei, Golden Lotus was developed in New York and Toronto before premiering in Hong Kong in 2014 where it was filmed live. It is now available to stream on Stratfest at Home.
Learn about the controversial banned novel Jin Ping Mei, the fascinating international story behind the development of Golden Lotus, how the show became Hong Kong’s first original musical, the process of filming, and the surprising rewards of entering the capture of the musical into film festivals.
Watch the podcast on YouTube or listen via your favorite podcast app.
Learn about the controversial banned novel Jin Ping Mei, the fascinating international story behind the development of Golden Lotus, how the show became Hong Kong’s first original musical, the process of filming, and the surprising rewards of entering the capture of the musical into film festivals.
Watch the podcast on YouTube or listen via your favorite podcast app.
Research sources
Articles
Websites
- Joyce Chan, “Award-Winning Musical Film ‘Golden Lotus’ Premieres Exclusively on Stratfest@Home May 1, 2024,” EIN Presswire (April 30, 2024)
- Lynn Gong, “Centre Stage: Golden Lotus the Musical earns slightly clichéd but successful world premiere in Hong Kong,” Coconuts Hong Kong (Sept 16, 2014)
- Lynn Gong, “Review- Golden Lotus, the Musical,” HK ELD (Sept 13, 2014)
- Peter Hendra, “Ernestown teacher has Hong Kong on his mind,” The Kingston Whig-Standard (Sept 13, 2014), p. F9
- Raymond Lee, “Golden Lotus – The Musical: ‘Hong Kong’s First Musical’,” MadBuzzHK (Sept 11, 2014)
- Perry Link, “The Wonderfully Elusive Chinese Novel,” The New York Review (April 23, 2015)
- Simon Martin, “Stouffville composer wins accolades for Golden Lotus film,” YorkRegion.com (Feb 20, 2023)
- Uncredited, “Golden Lotus,” FilmmakerLife (June 16, 2023)
- Uncredited, “Golden Lotus begins streaming on Stratfest@Home,” Statford Today (April 23, 2024)
- Uncredited, “George Chiang From Stage to Screen: The Incredible Journey of Golden Lotus,” Film: The Magazine (London/Edinburgh 2023 Edition) p. 21
Websites
- Department of East Asian Languages and Civilizations, “Chinese Literature 236. China's Banned Book: Reading Jin Ping Mei,” Accessed via: https://ealc.fas.harvard.edu/chinese-literature-236-chinas-banned-book-reading-jin-ping-mei
- George Chiang, “Bio,” Accessed via: https://www.georgechiang.org/bio
- Golden Lotus: The Musical, “Awards,” Accessed via: https://goldenlotusthemusical.com/awards/
- Golden Lotus: The Musical, “Electronic Press Kit,” Accessed via: https://goldenlotusthemusical.com/electronic-press-kit/
Written by Luisa Lyons (June 2024)