Pitt's Asian Studies Center will host a book launch for The Flower Princess (Di Nü Hua): A Cantonese Opera, translated, edited and introduced by Bell Yung, assisted in translation by Sonia Ng and Katherine Carlitz. The book launch takes place on Friday, April 2, from 4–6 p.m. in Room 4130 Wesley W. Posvar Hall at University of Pittsburgh.

The Flower Princess is the first Cantonese opera script to be translated into English. Dramatizing the fall of the Ming dynasty in 1644, this opera intertwines themes of ethnic identity, heroic loyalty, and romantic love. Since its composition in 1957, The Flower Princess has been memorized by devoted fans and has taught Chinese history and poetry to an entire generation.

The reception will include an excerpt from The Flower Princess, three short talks by the book’s editor and translators, and a reception with live music on traditional Chinese instruments. Please visit the Web site for more information: www.ucis.pitt.edu/asc/conference/flowerprincess/index.html