Interview with Peking Opera master

This is a narration of Peking Opera master Mei Baojiu, on the subject of his father Mei Lanfang.

Mei Lanfang improved the social status of the female role, known as Dan Role in China, in the early 19th century, and spread Peking Opera to foreign countries. He was known to have toured Japan, the United States, and other regions, forming friendships with the western contemporaries of his day, including Charlie Chaplin.

In the family, Mei Baojiu received a traditional education in Peking Opera. His father also sent him to a modern school, saying "You must study. An uneducated person can't perform well. "

Mei Baojiu also spoke of his Mother Fu Zhifang, who is the second wife of Mei Lanfang. She was introduced to the public by a movie directed by Chen Kaige "Forever Enthralled", and received an unfair appraisal because of a love triangle story in the movie.

Journalist: Xu Yang

Director: Gao Zhijian

Camera: Yu Chenkang & Ren Cong

Photo: Gao Zhijian & Wu Chuanjing

Special thanks to Ye Jinyuan