Mei Lan-Fang: Peking Opera Superstar in America

Mei Lan-fang, the greatest modern Chinese actor of female roles, introduced Peking Opera to the Western world and America where it was virtually unknown. He excelled in the roles of heroic young women and gave fresh impetus to the struggle to emancipate Chinese women. As unofficial cultural ambassador to Japan and the West, his 1930 tour brought world recognition to Chinese Opera and greatly enhanced the status of the acting profession. He performed in Washington, New York, Chicago, San Francisco and other cities.