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Jamie H.J. Guan
Jamie H.J. Guan is a Chinese-American choreographer, actor, and martial artist known for his extensive work in theater and film. He has made significant contributions to the performing arts, particularly in blending traditional Chinese opera techniques with contemporary theater. Guan is recognized for his roles and choreography in Broadway productions such as M. Butterfly and The King and I.

Early Life and Education
Jamie H.J. Guan was born in 1954 in Beijing, China. He began his training at the age of ten when he was selected to study at the Institute for Performing Arts in Beijing, an honor granted to only 70 children out of 3,000 applicants. Guan specialized in wu sheng (martial arts warrior) roles, studying under master teachers for eight years. He graduated from the Beijing Institute for Performing Arts and joined the Peking Opera Troupe No. 1, where he performed for 15 years.

Early Career
Guan's early career was marked by his performances with the Peking Opera Troupe No. 1, where he played numerous martial arts warrior roles. One of his notable early performances was during President Richard Nixon's visit to China in 1972.

In 1978, Guan made his American stage debut with the China Performing Arts Troupe. This historic tour, which included performances at Lincoln Center and the Kennedy Center, marked the first cultural exchange between the U.S. and China after the normalization of relations.

Major Achievements
M. Butterfly (1988-1990) Guan made his Broadway debut in the Tony Award-winning play M. Butterfly, serving as both an actor and choreographer. The play, written by David Henry Hwang and directed by John Dexter, garnered critical acclaim. Guan also worked on the film adaptation directed by David Cronenberg.

Golden Child (1998) Guan was the movement consultant for the Tony-nominated play Golden Child, written by David Henry Hwang and directed by James Lapine.

The King and I (2015) He served as the Asian Movement Consultant for the Broadway revival of The King and I, which received widespread acclaim for its choreography and staging.

Notable Positions
Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival (1997) Guan choreographed and appeared in the world premiere of the one-act opera The Silver River, written by David Henry Hwang and composed by Bright Sheng.

Manhattan Theatre Club (1999) He choreographed and performed in Red, directed by David Petrarca.

Kennedy Center (2000) Guan was the fight choreographer for Debbie Allen's musicals Soul Possessed and Dreams.

Personal Life
Jamie H.J. Guan has kept much of his personal life private. He is known to have moved to the United States in the 1980s, where he met his future wife. Guan has dedicated much of his life to teaching and sharing his expertise in traditional Chinese opera and martial arts with students and professionals across the U.S.

Awards and Honors

 * Barrymore Award for Outstanding Choreography (2003)
 * Dean Goodman Choice Award for Outstanding Achievement in Theatre (1998)

Broadway Productions

 * M. Butterfly (1988-1990): Actor and Choreographer
 * Golden Child (1998): Movement Consultant
 * The King and I (2015): Asian Movement Consultant

Films

 * M. Butterfly (1993): Choreographer
 * Saving Face (2003): Actor

Legacy
Jamie H.J. Guan's work has had a lasting impact on the integration of traditional Chinese performance techniques with Western theater. His expertise in martial arts and choreography has influenced numerous productions and inspired a generation of performers and choreographers.

Critical Reception and Influence
Guan's contributions have been praised by critics and peers for their authenticity and innovation. His work in M. Butterfly and other productions has been highlighted for bringing a unique cultural perspective to the Broadway stage.