On Oct 10, the 2024 Mei Lanfang Art Festival in Taizhou, Jiangsu, opened with the announcement of six outstanding theatrical works centered on the legacy of Mei Lanfang. This initiative, aimed at honoring the legendary opera artist and promoting traditional Chinese opera, attracted submissions from playwrights across the country.
Among the winning scripts are The Opera and the Dream by Deng Tianle, which explores Mei's reflections on his iconic roles and the evolution of his artistic thought.
Winter Plum by Lu Zhe portrays Mei's resistance to performing for the puppet government, highlighting his patriotism through his focus on painting and national relief efforts.
Mei Lanfang Returns to Taizhou by Zhou Guangwei examines the opera master's lifelong connection to his ancestral home, Taizhou, weaving together his art and life journey.
Other works include one by Hu Bo, which focuses on Mei's innovations and international performances, one by Hua Chunlan, which depicts a pivotal moment in his career as he encounters opera master Tan Xinpei, and one by Shao Zhenkun, a poetic reflection on Mei's illustrious career.
Next, these selected scripts will undergo further refinement to bring them to the stage, sharing the legacy of Mei with audiences nationwide.