Recently a film has been launched to describe the life and love of Lanfang Mei ,the outstanding exponent of Beijing Opera, the great master of China's dramatic art, and the greatest modern Chinese actor of female role. 

Born in 1894 and dead in 1961, Mr. Mei dedicated his whole life to the art of Beijing Opera. He constantly and conscientiously sought to improve his art and created many lively and unforgettable artistic images by gathering together the best of the local and national operas. He blended acting, singing and dancing in one performance,turning the Beijing Opera into a colorful, comprehensive art of the highest stage effects. Finally, he was accepted worldwide and applauded as a great artist and the embodiment of beauty.

For a long time, China had exported culture to other countries until the 19th century.  Since the 19th centrury, China had become a nation importing culture from Europe, the United States, and even other Asian countries such as Japan and Korea.  Although Beijing Opera has a history of hundreds of years, Mr. Mei was the first to introduce Beijing Opera to the world and made successful tours to Japan (1919,1924 and 1956), the United States (1930) and the Soviet Union (1935 and 1952). During his tours in these countries, which earned him international fame, he popularized the Chinese classical drama among foreign audiences, guiding them to a better appreciation of Chinese art and culture. Through his performances Beijing Opera obtained world renown and in return exerted much influence to the foreign stage.

Lanfang is the symbol of China's performing art and the pride of his people and nation.

 

 

Mr. Mei got his Ph.D. degree from a US university in 1930s.