2: Shanghai-born author, ANCHEE MIN (AHN-chee MIN). She grew up in China during the last years of Mao's Cultural Revolution. In her memoir, "Red Azalea" (Pantheon), MIN recounts her experiences as an 11-year old leader in her school's Little Red Guard, then as a laborer at a work camp where she became the secret lover of her female commander. When Madam Mao began her reform of China's film industry, MIN was chosen from 20,000 candidates to become a screen actress because she had a face that was thought to represent the working class. MIN was also cast to star in a film about Madam Mao's life, but before the film was finished Chairman Mao died, Madam Mao was denounced and MIN was punished. In 1984, with the help of actress Joan Chen, MIN emigrated to the United States, where she works as a writer and photographer.
Copyright 1994 Fresh Air