Famous Chinese movie star Liu Xiaoqing will play the role of legendary albeit controversial 19th century patriot prostitute in a play presented to US audiences at Pasadena Civic Auditorium on March 29 and 30.

The play, named "A Legend: San Jin Hua," directed by Tian Qinxin and produced by the Tianjin People's Art Theatre, premiered in Beijing in 2012 and depicts the intriguing life story of San Jin Hua, a prostitute in Beijing who stood up to foreign occupiers and inspired the nation.

Liu, as a legendary figure in her career and a witness to the development of Chinese cinema, said she will tell the story with her own rich experience and understanding.

The show is also going to be performed in San Francisco, Houston and New York.