In the midst of writing her dissertation on American acting, she realized she knew almost nothing about the ancient art form of her native China. Now, this Northern Michigan University professor is on a course of personal redemption and professional fulfillment. Pang is producing a documentary to introduce Peking Opera to a wider audience', and to get in touch with her roots. It is the only art form that combines such diverse elements as drama, music, dancing, martial arts and acrobatics in one production.
Performers have to be incredibly versatile.
The documentary will explore Peking Opera through the life and artistry of one performer in particular - Chinese diva Qi Shu Fang. Ms. Qi managed to avoid persecution by winning the lead role in one of the emerging revolutionary operas supported by the communists. She bridged the traditional and modern forms, and became one of the country's top performers. Qi severed all ties to China, but not to her livelihood. She established her own Peking Opera Company after arriving in New York.