Abstract or Keywords
Two early twentieth-century female impersonators, Mei Lanfang [TEXT NOT REPRODUCIBLE IN ASCII] (1894-1961) and Ouyang Yuqian [TEXT NOT REPRODUCIBLE IN ASCII] (1899-1962), adapted episodes from the novel Honglou meng [TEXT NOT REPRODUCIBLE IN ASCII] (Dream of the Red Chamber) for the Beijing opera stage. This paper investigates why Honglou meng popularity soared during this transitional era and what socio-political and commercial purposes it served. It particularly investigates the representation of femininity (acting technique, costumes, props, stage settings) in the attempt to illuminate Mei and Ouyang's particular contributions to Beijing opera.