Gillian Chung of Hong Kong pop duo Twins is likely to join Chen
Kaige's star-studded cast in Mei Lanfang, portraying the
young wife of the late Peking opera master.
Gillian Chung (left) is
seen in this undated file photo with another Twins member Charlene
Choi. Gillian Chung is likely to join Chen Kaige's star-studded
cast in Mei Lanfang, portraying the young wife of the late
Peking opera master.
The 26-year-old singer/actress recently arrived in Beijing to
audition for the role of Fu Zhifang, and has won the thumbs-up from
director Chen Kaige, says Tuesday's Shanghai Morning
Post.
The newspaper also quoted Gillian Chung's agent as confirming
the audition. But he described possible cooperation as "still under
discussion."
If Gillian Chung joins the cast, she will share the role with
Chen Kaige's wife, acclaimed actress Chen Hong, who will play the
middle-aged Fu Zhifang.
Another Hong Kong pop star, Leon Lai, is currently busy
polishing his skills in Peking opera preparing to take on the
leading role - Mei Lanfang himself.
Actress Zhang Ziyi will also play one of Mei Lanfang's fellow
Peking opera singers.
Born in 1894, Mei Lanfang was considered to have pioneered the
tradition of males depicting female characters in Peking opera.
(CRI.cn June 5, 2007)
