Mei Lanfang: The Art of Beijing Opera - A Pictorial Presentation of the Legendary Performer's American Tour

Mei Lanfang (1894-1961) was a legendary Beijing Opera figure whose career began at the age of eight and spanned more than 50 years. He performed more than 100 different roles in the traditional Beijing Opera as a dan-the traditional female impersonator. Mei Lanfang's range and incredible artistry won him a large following, both in China and abroad. This book is a compilation of the photographs and illustrations from Mei's 1930 U.S. tour with performances in Seattle, New York, Chicago, Washington, San Francisco, San Diego, and Honolulu. It features stunning photographs from some of his most famous roles and a rare set of illustrations from the scrolls that Mei had commissioned specially for the U.S. tour. Mei Lanfang excellent performances fascinated both public and academic circles won him international recognition. Mei revolutionized both stage makeup and costumes; systemized and enriched characters' gestures, expressions, and poses. He also wrote many plays including the choreography-many of the dances he created form part of the great legacy that he left to the Beijing Opera.