Anchor:

A leading Peking Opera Troupe is set to wrap up a tour of the United States later on this Friday with a pair of shows in Washington, DC.

CRI's Washington correspondent He Fei has more.

Reporter:

Last century, Peking Opera legendary Mei Lanfang wowed American audiences with his exquisite and intriguing performances.

Originally planned for just a week, his tour in the 1930's later turned into a month-long affair.

Some 80 years later, his son, Master Mei Baojiu, has brought his students back to the same American cities his father toured once before.

Waves of applause resound through the Opera House at the Kennedy Center in Washington.

"It's been so beautiful, each segment carries its own feeling, story line, you definitely feel it."

"The music is different, by the same time intriguing. This is something new, something totally outside of my box. Very enjoyable."

"It's spectacular. The costumes, the hair dresses are amazing. Haven't seen anything like this. I've never heard of the Peking Opera, so it is a treat. I can't top that."

The troupe is putting on two different shows in the United States.

One is excerpts from five operas based on the classic plays of the Mei School.

The other is a complete play "Lady Mu Guiying Takes Command".

Both All of them are master works by Mei Lanfang.

Mei Baojiu says being able to re-live his fathers triumph in the US is a dream-come-true.

"Time has passed quickly. My father died in 1961 and I'm now in my eighties. After so many years, it's really great that I can visit the US again and let my students display my father's legacy to American audiences, as well as our compatriots overseas. This is not only a few performances but an interactive way to communicate with US culture."

This year marks the 120th anniversary of the birth of Master Mei Lanfang, who was the first to introduce Peking Opera to the US.

This year also marks the 35th anniversary of the establishment of Sino-US diplomatic ties.

Chinese ambassador to the US, Cui Tiankai, says people-to-people exchanges are a key component of maintaining a healthy relationship between the two sides.

"People-to-people understanding, based on the understanding of each other's history, culture and arts is very important. Peking Opera is definitely a key way to do that. I think the performances of the Mei Lanfang Troupe will help more American audiences understand Chinese history and culture, and the Chinese philosophy that is told in the opera. I believe this is a unique way for the US to understand how we act and to strengthen our bilateral ties."

This Friday evening will see the Peking Opera troupe put on their final performance at the Kennedy Center in Washington, with "Lady Mu Guiying Takes Command".

For CRI, I'm He Fei in Washington.