Chinese language media reported that Zhang Ziyi (章子仪) is to join Chen Kaige's (陈凯歌) Peking opera epic, the biography of Mei Lanfang (梅兰芳). It's said that the production company confirmed that Zhang Ziyi will play Meng Xiaodong (孟小冬), an accomplished Peking opera singer herself, who is also Mei Lanfang's lover. Mei Lanfang was the most famous Peking opera singer during his time. In highly specific Peking opera role playing, Mei Lanfang specialised in playing Danjiao (旦角) - young women, while Meng Xiaodong specialised in playing Laosheng (老生) - old men. The gender-reserving cooperation between the two of the best singers on stage, and their private love relationship have facinated many fans.It was reported before that Hong Kong actor Leon Lai (黎明) will play Mei Lanfang. Chen Kaige has also recruited novelist and screenplay writer Yan Geling (严歌苓) to write the screenplay. The shooting is schduled to start at the end of May.
