International Symposium: Bridging Worlds: The Art and Artistry of Mei Lanfang

This international symposium delves into the rich artistic universe of Mei Lanfang, taking the exhibition Dancing Goddess: Mei Lanfang in America as a point of departure. Through a series of focused presentations, speakers will examine the defining elements of Mei’s artistic practice, from the codified symbolism of the orchid hand gestures to the performances of Rainbow Pass across four countries, using case studies in cultural dislocation and aesthetic translation.

Embracing the inherently cross-disciplinary nature of Mei’s practice, the program brings together five scholars from various fields, including art history, theater studies, philosophy, and media theory. Their presentations will collectively illuminate how Mei’s work functioned not only as the pinnacle of Chinese theater but also as a dynamic site of cross-cultural encounter. By bringing these broader inquiries into dialogue, the symposium invites scholars, students, and the public to reflect on the enduring legacy of an oeuvre that continues to defy categorization.