If you are in China and have not visited Mei Lanfang Memorial Museum, then your trip to Beijing is incomplete. The museum was founded in 1961 on a proposal by Former Premier of China, Zhou Enlai. Mei Lanfang was born in1894, was one of the four famous masters playing female characters in Peking Opera. He was the greatest Chinese opera star of the 20th Century, a man who performed mainly as female characters and was globally known at the peak of his fame in the 1930s. He was very much responsible for exporting appreciation of Peking Opera around the world and made frequent trips to the United States, Japan, and Europe.
One artist, many moods at Opera Performance. (Photo: Mewati Sitaram)
We 25 journalists of China International Press Communication Center CIPCC, from various countries, including me visited this museum. Mei Lanfang Memorial is his last residence in Beijing, a lovely traditional courtyard complex in an easy-to-find location in an attractive part of Beijing (not far from the Houhai Lake area). The front yard of the former residence is converted into an exhibition area, display of pictures and artifacts. The three north rooms in the back garden were kept intact, just as Mei lived there. The hardwood furniture, the pier-glass mirror he used for practicing, the dove whistle, and the other small items Mei Lanfang used throughout his lifetime, are all kept in the waiting room. The dresses worn during Opera performance were also preserved, which is showcasing the glory of Peking Opera.
To have a real experience, we were shown a live performance of Peking Opera. It was a mesmerizing moment, led us to a bygone era of Opera days. The performance which was shown to us included Peking Opera; The Drunken Beauty, Display of Lyrics in The Peony Pavilion, immersive experience; Golden Folding Fans, display of replica of heavenly maiden scattering flowers by Xu Beihong and playing the role of Dan- female with water sleeves.
Journalists from different countries participating in Opera performances. (Photo: Mewati Sitaram)
The museum displays A painting entitled The Thirteen Best Performers during the Reigns of Tongzhi and Guangxu, by Shen Rongpu, a Qing-dynatsy artist, is hung on the west wall of the room. The inner chamber, connecting to the waiting room, served as the living room. Mei Lanfang’s study in the west wing has been converted into an exhibition room of his achievements, and his bedroom in the east wing is now a small video theatre showcasing Mei’s superb performances.
The Mei Lanfang Memorial is in a nice part of the city, and it’s a good place to stop if you want to see what one of these old hutong Courtyard buildings looks like from inside (also if you like calligraphy. A visit here will take around 20-30 minutes.
Editor in Chief : Mewati SItaram
