Culture

Chen Kaige to shoot Mei Lanfang biopic

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A NEW film depicting the life of Peking opera legend Mei Lanfang (梅兰芳) is shooting in Beijing and Shanghai, with acclaimed director Chen Kaige (陈凯歌) at the helm. Mr. Chen has directed multiple critically-acclaimed movies including the award-winning Farewell My Concubine (霸王别姬) in 1993.

Many of the important scenes in the movie will be shot in a replica of the old Jixiang Theater, which will be constructed inside the Beijing Film Studios. Many prominent Peking operas stars, including Mei Lanfang, Yu Shuyan and Yang Xiaolou, performed at the original Jixiang Theater, which was built in 1906.

Mei Lanfang's son Mei Baojiu says he had compiled comprehensive biographical information about his father for the director, including pictures, records and archival film footage. The actor to essay the role of Mei Lanfang has not been announced yet, although Chen has reportedly discussed the role with Hong Kong veteran Leon Lai.

Mei Lanfang was the first artist to win widespread international recognition after performing the Peking Opera for overseas audiences in Japan, the United States and other regions. Over the course of Mei's career, his most famous roles were those of female characters; skillful portrayal of women won him international acclaim, and his smooth, perfectly timed, poised style has come to be known in opera circles as the 'Mei School.' He also played an important part in continuing the performance tradition of Kunqu, noted particularly for his interpretations of Du Liniang in "The Peony Pavilion" and Bai Suzhen in "Leifeng Temple."

Courtesy of jingjuok.com(中国京剧艺术网)

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