Taizhou Mei Lanfang Peking Opera Troupe Takes the Stage at China Peking Opera Art Festival

Recently, the Taizhou Mei Lanfang Peking Opera Troupe performed at the 11th China Peking Opera Art Festival, presenting the traditional Peking Opera martial arts piece Rescuing the Emperor at Shouzhou at a special showcase of Peking Opera excerpts featuring martial arts performances at Wuhan Shouyi Theatre. The performance brought the distinctive artistic charm of Mei Lanfang's hometown to the national stage.

The performance

Photo courtesy of Wang Yiqing

Organized by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the People’s Government of Hubei Province, the 11th China Peking Opera Art Festival is China’s premier professional arts event dedicated to Peking Opera. Also known as A Woman Fights at the Four Gates, Rescuing the Emperor at Shouzhou is a classic traditional opera featuring the wudan (martial female) role. Rather than relying on extended singing passages, the production captivates audiences with its dynamic and exhilarating martial arts sequences, showcasing the distinctive technical artistry and physical prowess of Peking Opera's martial arts tradition.

That evening, Wang Yanlong portrayed Liu Jinding. As the drums and gongs gathered pace, Liu made her entrance carrying a silver spear, with battle flags mounted on her back. She moved swiftly across the stage, executing a succession of circular movements, turns and spear flourishes. Her battle flags fluttered dramatically as she moved with rapid yet assured steps. With deft twists of the waist and turns, she handled the spear with precision and flair. Each impressive spear maneuver was met with an enthusiastic shout of "Bravo!" from the audience.

After the performance, audience members, Peking Opera enthusiasts and performing arts professionals gathered at the theater to exchange their impressions. The troupe had also thoughtfully set up a themed traditional Chinese opera cultural and creative photo spot, attracting visitors and younger opera enthusiasts who stopped to take photos and participate in interactive activities. The initiative received widespread acclaim.

Looking ahead, Taizhou will continue to refine and enhance its three-part Mei Lanfang-themed production series, while regularly organizing public cultural programs, performances and cultural exchange events. These efforts will further raise the profile of the Taizhou Mei Lanfang Peking Opera Troupe within the industry and strengthen the city’s cultural brand as the hometown of Mei Lanfang.