Her Dynasty unfolds over four snowy nights at pivotal moments in the life of Wu Zetian, born Wu Zhao, tracing her ambitious ascent to power, her confusion and inner turmoil, and her unyielding spirit.
Produced and presented by The Nine Theatre, Her Dynasty premiered in the ‘Dream Granary’ section of the 2025 Wuzhen Theatre Festival, where it sparked widespread discussion and attention. The play’s ingenious circular structure leads the audience step by step along Wu Zetian’s journey to become the first and only ruling Chinese Empress. Through her very existence, she drives cracks into entrenched traditions, ultimately breaking through and transcending them.
Her birth name, Wu Zhao, means ‘the red sun shining high in the sky’. However fiercely the snow sought to veil her destiny, it could not stop her from burning brightly, melting the frozen ground of a millennia-old patriarchy, paving the way for the countless women who would follow.
Playwright and Director: Zhu Hongxuan
Cast: Sun Yilin and Xiang Anqi
Approximately 1 hour, without interval
Performed in Mandarin, with surtitles in Chinese and English
Suitable for audience aged 13 or above. Children under the age of 6 will not be admitted
* Programme of ‘The 6th Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Chinese Theatre Culture Festival’
Her Dynasty