World famous Chinese actress Zhang Ziyi is expected to play a supporting role in a film about Peking Opera legend Mei Lanfang.

Zhang Ziyi will play the role of Meng Xiaodong, a female friend and rumoured lover of Mei Lanfang.

Whilst the films director Chen Kaige has met with the actress during the Cannes Film Festival in France. He said it would "take some time" before a final agreement is reached.

Another Chinese actress, Chen Hong, also the wife of the director, will play the heroine, or wife of the renowned artist.

Three actors of different ages, including Hong Kong star Leon Lai, will portray the life story of Mei Lanfang.

All the cast members will undergo training in performing Peking Opera before the film starts shooting in the second half of the year.

(CRI May 24, 2007)