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Monkey King Looks West

Directed by Christine Choy Produced and written by Renee Tajima

• "This engaging program celebrates Chinese opera and culture... A lovingly crafted portrait from the director of 'Who Killed Vincent Chin?'" - Booklist
• "…opens up the world of Chinese music and theatre in an environment and context that should be readily accessible to Western students" - Ethnomusicology

This colorful production contrasts the rich heritage of Chinese opera with the day-to-day realities of its emigréperformers in New York's Chinatown. It depicts the efforts of three classically-trained opera artists to keep alive their revered art form for the generation of young Chinese-Americans who would otherwise not be exposed to their tradition.

In the time-worn pattern of immigrant life, they spend their days grinding out a living. In their spare time each performs and teaches Chinese opera. Scenes from the classic work Monkey King Looks West stand as a metaphor for cultural survival.

Association for Asian Studies Conference, 1992
Asian American International Film Festival, 1990
Hawaii International Film Festival, 1990

42 min. Video or DVD. Sale $350. Video rental $65.

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