China's Traditional Musical Theatre (Xiqu戏曲)

Abstract

In 1915, Mei [Lanfang] performed his newly written opera Chang E Flies to the Moon [Chang E benyue 嫦娥奔月]… to the American College Club in Peking [Beijing]. Qi Rushan [齐如山, 1877–1962, Mei’s librettist and friend] proclaimed this as the earliest and most critical event in the history of foreign reception of China opera. The opera featured a style of dance and singing that was visually stunning due to its use of costumes and hairstyles that were adapted from those pictured in ancient Chinese paintings. Upon seeing this particular opera for the first time, one of Qi’s friends exclaimed: “From now on we have an opera to show foreigners.” … Indeed, the opera was well suited to foreign taste, and the audience was highly impressed by both the opera and Mei’s artistry. This event served to arouse the foreign community’s interest in Peking opera…. When Qi and Mei entertained foreigners at Mei’s home, they welcomed their guests into a carefully constructed “ultra-Chinese” environment. Guests not only heard Mei sing, but they were also offered tea and snacks and sometimes a full meal. Peking opera was served as one course in a banquet of traditional Chinese culture.1