Cross-dressing artist awaits big onstage moment

Li Yugang continues his exploration in cross-dressing performances and his latest show, Lady Zhaojun, is inspired by the legend of an ancient Chinese beauty. [Photo/China Daily]

In fact, it is the third time Li has played the role of Wang. In 2010, Li performed the role in his show Flower in Mirror, Moon in Water. A year later, he played Wang again in a chapter of his show The Painting of Four Beauties.

He has been thinking about developing a show about Wang for years but until now, he was unsure if he was ready.

"Frankly, the first two shows didn't give a full presentation of Wang Zhaojun because my acting and singing skills were not good enough," says Li.

The controversy surrounding his performances also made Li confused and sad. "I had many questions about myself. I couldn't concentrate on making a good show about Wang Zhaojun," he says.

After withdrawing from the limelight for three years, Li has found faith in himself and his art. He lived in Taipei for several months last year, where he practiced Buddhism, regained his inner peace and finished completing the idea of Lady Zhaojun.

In 2013, he spent nearly a month traveling from Beijing to Inner Mongolia, following in the footsteps of Wang and getting inspiration for the role.

During the two-hour show, Li will dance and perform songs by Taiwan singer-songwriter Vincent Fang. The stunning set and more than 10 elegant costumes were all designed by Tim Yip, the winner of the Oscar for Best Art Direction and Costume Design in 2000, for his collaboration with director Ang Lee on the film Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.

Li says he feels connected to the role because he shares the same loneliness as he pursues his art.