Peking Opera singer Mei Lanfang remembered in London

A student from the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London performs Mei Lanfang's opera at the celebration on Oct 18. [Photo provided to China Daily]

A 120th anniversary celebration for the late Chinese opera singer Mei Lanfang was held on October 18, at the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London.

The celebration was held through a combination of performances and academic discussions, to explore Mei's style, influence, national and international relevance, as well as significance to contemporary practice.

Mei, born on 22 October 1894 in Beijing, became a superstar in Peking Opera due to his outstanding perfoming ability and innovations relating to the technique and repertoire of Peking opera.

As well, Mei's international tours to Japan, USA, Russia and Europe established him as one of the most significant Chinese cultural ambassadors in the twentieth century.

The celebration is jointly organized between the Music Department of SOAS, University of London, Royal Holloway China Humanities Research Centre and SOAS China institute. It was attended by scholars both from Britain and China.

"We are remembering Mei Lanfang and other great jingju masters not for their fame but for the courage and skills they had in responding to the great challenges in the fast changing world at the beginning of the 20th century," said Li Ruru, Professor of Chinese Theatre Studies at the University of Leeds.

"We memorize Mei Lanfang and other outstanding opera masters not only not only because they are famous, but also because their drama concept and their response to rapid changes in the early 20th century society shows the courage and ability," Li said.

Li added that sadly today's generation of young Chinese people believe that Peking Opera is an outdated form of entertainment, and she urged them to get in touch with the essence of China's national culture.

In addition, Ashley Thorpe, Lecturer in Drama and Theatre at Royal Holloway, University of London, also gave a speech about Mei's previous experiences in London at the event. It is known that Mei was in London in 1935, as is shown in old photographs perserved till today.