Feature
MEI LANFANG:
After liberation, I am determined to dedicate art to the people “Beijing opera fans” all know that Mei Lanfang studied opera at the age of 8 and came on stage at the age of 11, specializing in Tsing Yi and acting as Dao Ma Dan. In his longterm stage practice, his singing, chanting, dance, music, costumes, makeup, etc. All aspects have been created and developed, and many wonderful repertoires have been written and performed, forming their own artistic style, known as the “Mei School” in the world.
Wish fulfilled In the 1950s, at that time, Mr. Mei was in his sixties and had just participated in the first National People’s Congress. As soon as we sat down, he told me with a smile on his face: “We are rushing to make a stage life art film at the Beijing Film Studio. I heard that the
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workers in the capital asked to see my play. I immediately made the decision and would rather make the film. After a few days of work, I have to perform for the workers again!” Then, he talked about an unforgettable event three years ago: “It was also a midsummer, and it was the first time for the workers in this open-air labor theater. Workers in the capital performed a performance. During the performance, it suddenly rained heavily. The theater was supposed to stop, but the workers in the audience insisted on watching it in the rain. The whole theater was still silent. I was very moved to see this scene. I promised that I will give performances to the workers in the capital when I have time.” He said this, raising his voice and saying, “This performance can be regarded as the realization of my wish that I made.” In the old society before liberation, he only performed in big cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Wuhan, etc. The theaters were full of dignitaries. At that time, not only people in small and medium-sized cities looked down on Mei Lanfang’s play, but also workers in these big cities. And the poor citizens, don’t have so much money to listen to his play. They can only read news about his performance in newspaper advertisements or posters in front of the theater. He said: “After liberation, I am
