Source: CCTV.com

01-09-2009 09:44

The life story of Peking Opera master Mei Lanfang has been widely discussed since Chen Kaige's "Forever Enthralled", a Mei biopic, hit the cinema. In Taizhou in Jiangsu province in the east of China, where Mei grew up, the topic has sparked an enthusiastic response with the premiere of the stage play "Mei Lanfang".

The play is produced by the late master's son Mei Baojiu, who's also a successor of the Mei style of singing.

The play is produced by the late master's son Mei Baojiu, who's also a successor of the Mei style of singing. Many audiences find the play endears themselves to the artist.

Lengthy passages are given over to the liaison between Mei and his mistress Meng Xiaodong, as well as his lifetime friendship with Qi Rushan, whose patronage facilitates Mei's fame.

The play is produced by the late master's son Mei Baojiu, who's also a successor of the Mei style of singing.

Leading actors Bai Yongcheng and Wen Yang are not professional Peking opera singers but are able to make up for what they lack with the expertise of Mei Baojiu. They have delivered a heartfelt rendition spanning more than ten singing acts.

Those attending the show said that they arrived already revering the master. And, best of all, the play fulfilled their expectations.

Editor:Liu Fang