Central to Mei Lanfang's legacy is his pivotal role in popularizing Peking Opera on the global stage.
He toured Japan in 1919, 1924 and 1956. In 1930, he toured the United States for about two months, giving shows in New York, Washington and San Francisco, among others. In 1935, he performed in the former Soviet Union and, in the same year, toured Europe, captivating Western audiences with his mesmerizing performances.
Through meticulously crafted costumes and rare photographs from these tours, the exhibition highlights Mei Lanfang's achievement in transcending cultural barriers and showcasing the rich traditions of Peking Opera to an international audience.
Photos showing Mei Lanfang shaking hands with Charlie Chaplin and news clippings about his performances in the US are displayed in the exhibition.
One of the most eye-catching items is a 4.25-meter-wide, 3.57-meter-high stage curtain, a replica of the one he used during his tour in the US, shown to the public for the first time. The curtain features different patterns, including two peacocks, chrysanthemums, lilies and 30 magpies standing on tree branches.
