Master Qi and the Monkey King

A fascinating look at a demanding traditional art form little known outside China, the Peking Opera, which combines acting, music, singing, and acrobatics in a highly stylistic way. A famous star in China who also appeared in the modern form of drama and films favored by the cultural revolution, came to the US with her husband to present the traditional Peking Opera and found that what audiences were seeing here was woefully amateur. They stayed on and formed a company in Queens, NY, employing Chinese immigrants who had day jobs and rehearsed in the evenings. Their aim was to bring the opera style to American audiences, raise the overall standard and to educate Chinese Americans in the ancient art.

The film demonstrates the dedication of the performers, the long years of training required, the elaborate make up, costumes, music, and gestures of the characters.