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GUEST: Yan-Ting Yuen, Director of “Yang Ban Xi: The 8 Model Works”

“Yang Ban Xi: The 8 Model Works,” is the title of director Yan-Ting Yuen’s new documentary film. In the film, she examines the role of opera during China’s Cultural Revolution that lasted from 1966-1976 and which recently marked its fortieth anniversary. During that time, Chairman Mao’s wife, Jiang Qing, a former actress herself, banned traditional opera and commissioned a new propaganda art form aimed at transmitting the Cultural Revolutions aims. Eight such operas became historically noted as the model works and were an undeniable phenomenon in Chinese Culture. During the decade-long tenure of Mao’s Cultural Revolution, these revolutionary operas were the only sanctioned form of entertainment staged in theatres, and broadcasted on television, and radio.

Yang Ban Xi opens at the Laemmle Music Hall on June 2nd, 9036 Wilshire Blvd. Beverly Hills, 90211.