There are many famous masters who are good at performing Peking Opera. Among them, the Four Famous Dans - Mei Lanfang, Cheng Yanqiu, Shang Xiaoyun and Xun Huisheng - are the best known at home and abroad. They are experts in performing the role of Dan and each has his own artistic feature. Their wonderful performances are still appreciated by many audiences. For example, 'Farewell My Concubine' by Mei Lanfang, 'Injustice to Dou'e' by Cheng Yanqiu, 'Lady Zhaojun Going beyond the Great Wall' by Shang Xiaoyun and 'Matchmaker' by Xun Huisheng.
The Four Famous Dans - Mei Lanfang (left 3), Cheng Yanqiu (left 1), Shang Xiaoyun (left 2)?and Xun Huisheng (left 4).
Mei Lanfang (1894-1961)
Mei was one of the most famous Peking opera artists in modern history, exclusively known for his qingyi roles, a type of dan role. Mei was born in 1894 into a family of Beijing Opera and Kunqu performers. He made his stage debut at the Guanghe Theatre in 1904 when he was 10 years old. During his 50-year stage career, he maintained strong continuity while always working on new techniques. His most famous roles were those of female characters; skillful portrayal of women won him international acclaim, and his smooth, perfectly timed, poised style has come to be known in opera circles as the "Mei School." Mei was the first artist to spread Beijing Opera to foreign countries. He participated in cultural exchanges with Japan, the United States, and other regions. He toured the world, forming friendships with the western contemporaries of his day, including Charlie Chaplin.
Cheng Yanqiu (1904-1958)
Cheng was born in Beijing. His playing style was recognized as Chen Style. He was also the creator of several original opera productions in the 1920's and 30's. Most of his plays were tragedies and the roles he took on were sorrowful. His more famous plays include "Unicorn-trapping Purse" and "Tear on Depress."
Shang Xiaoyun (1900-1976)
Shang was born in Hebei Province. He had great skill for acrobatics and dancing. His performing style was highly regarded and dubbed the Shang Style. His famous plays include: Mad after Lost Her Son, Liang Hongyu, etc. Shang was also dedicated to training new players. He founded the "Rong Chun Opera School."
Xun Huisheng (1899-1968)
Shang was born in Hebei Province. His performing style is called Xun Style. He entered the "Triple Happiness Opera School" to study Hebei Opera, but switched to playing Peking Opera after graduation. He was good at playing lively and naughty girls and heroines.