MONKEY KING Journey to the West

Julia Lovell's fresh translation of this classic Chinese fantasy epic, paired with Robert Wu's lively performance, delivers hours of listening entertainment. Wu embodies the titular Monkey King's verve, arrogance, and wit as he seeks immortality. His puckish antics soon draw the ire of the Jade Emperor and other spirits. The resulting punishment leads Monkey on a redemptive quest with Tripitaka, a devout Buddhist monk, to obtain sacred scriptures. Wu's playful characterizations, including those of disgraced fellow pilgrims Pigsy, an unabashed glutton, and Sandy, a reformed cannibal, draw out the tale's multifaceted humor and horror. Along the way, they face innumerable challenges and an expansive cast of demons, bureaucrats, and royalty. This memorable production is a journey well worth taking. J.R.T. © AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine [Published: APRIL 2021]