The Shanghai Peking Opera celebrates its 60th anniversary with a series of shows at Yifu Theatre from August 4-9. One of the young stars who will perform is Tian Hui. The Harbin-born 28-year-old is the latest star 'dan' in the Mei Lanfang line, trained by the legend's son Mei Baojiu, son of the legendary Mei Lanfang. Already an award winner, Tian discusses bringing the art into the next generation.
On getting into Peking Opera…
I was in kindergarten when my father decided to send me to the Peking Opera Club. I give him all the credit. Yangbanxi was like pop songs to his generation. He’s a very zealous fan. Not one missing gong or drumbeat passes his ears. He could recite a score faster and more precise than I can.
On training under Master Mei Baojiu…
My teacher introduced me to him when I was still an undergrad. He’s really helped with my singing skills and the way I dress on stage. Besides that, he has to make sure if you are a person of good quality.
On whether Peking Opera is being marginalized…
There was a competition launched specifically for Yue Opera in Shanghai and I was stunned by its popularity. Peking Opera is certainly marginalized in comparison. As much as we are reluctant to admit, it’s unlikely that it will regain its peak moment. But we are making our best efforts to carry forward the essence of this art form. Shanghai Peking Opera launched a five-year Project Youth Runway program in 2011 and I was among the selected young artists. Now we are approaching the last year of the program and it’s been an honor and a challenge to be a part of it.
On modernizing Peking Opera…
Master Mei Lanfang said that once could move as many steps as you can, but the heart shall remain at peace. Peking opera is our cultural legacy, but we are facing crowds with different backgrounds. To me, we should keep the status quo by welcoming different art forms and adjusting our performance to suit the trend. But this doesn’t mean adding pop songs. Classics are classics. What we could do is enrich each character while performing for different crowds.
// August 4-9, 7.15pm, RMB40-80. Shanghai Yifu Theatre.
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We have a pair of tickets to give away. Simply e-mail win@urbanatomy.com with the subject 'Peking Opera' by August 3 for your chance to win.
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