Opera Quarterly; Spring/Summer2010, Vol. 26 Issue 2/3, p200-219, 20p, 12 Black and White Photographs
Subjects
OPERA singers, DRAG queens, GESTURE in opera, and ACTING
Abstract
The article discusses the work of Chinese opera performer and female impersonator Mei Lanfang, who has starred in films such as "Dream of the Garden" ("Youyuan jingmeng"), and his use of gestures in films of Kun opera. Of particular note is a gesture made with one's eyes, which was typical of performances of Kun operas. Mei's acting style and his association with screenwriter and choreographer Qi Rushan is discussed, particularly how the two men used acting and gestures to preserve traditional Chinese opera.
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