The Peking Opera, known in China as jingju, is starting a special tour in the U.S. to commemorate the 120th anniversary of the birth of China's greatest opera star and the man who introduced the artform to American audiences, Mei Lanfang.
His son, Mei Baojiu, who is also a top opera star, put together the programme and attended the launch of the tour in New York.
SOUNDBITE: Chinese opera star and son of Mei Lanfang, Mei Baojiu, saying (Mandarin):
"The heart of the performance, the work of the performer is the soul of my father's art and that continues to thrive. But we have brought the plays into the 21st century with lighting, with the techniques of making costuming, with the technology of staging."
Peking Opera's origins go back to the end of the 18th century and features a mix of singing, dancing, martial arts and elaborate make up and costumes. Traditionally the actors create the storylines and songs, and Mei Lanfang is seen as one of the most prominent crea
