Mei's grandfather Mei Qiaoling had tried to improve such roles by merging elements of a more lively genre named hua dan (colorful female role). Despite harsh criticism, Mei Lanfang went further to learn daoma dan (broadsword and horse female role).

Such cross-disciplinary learning was decisive for him to bring more glamour to the leading role in Concubine Yang Gets Drunk (Guifei Zuijiu). When he staged the show in Japan, the United States and the former Soviet Union, numerous audiences were won over by the brilliant attire, elegant movement and unforgettable singing.

Mei always said: "The audience is my mirror." When he played general Mu Guiying for the first time in Shanghai, fans criticized him for constantly looking at his feet. Like all generals in Peking Opera, he carried a number of embroidered flags on his back and the extra attire was a heavy burden.

Mei asked his friends to remind him by applauding. Among Peking Opera fans, saying "Bravo!" when the actor had just finished a particularly difficult stunt in movement or singing was more respectful than applauding. Soon Mei was able to get rid of the flaw.

In 1958, some audience chuckled during a performance. Mei was worried. At 64, he was no longer slim or nimble and playing charming ladies was a challenge. He thought of many postures and decided to lean forward, with the right hand on the back while bidding adieu to another actor. To the audience, the character looked much more elegant and believable.

Besides his art, Mei gained people's reverence for patriotism. At the height of his career, Mei stopped performing for eight years during the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggressions (1937-45). Mei was determined not to entertain the invaders and grew a moustache to show his determination.

In 1959, Mei staged a new show about Mu Guiying, a patriotic general in the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127). He thought of many ways to represent the general. She was initially hesitant if their family should serve the decadent rulers, but eventually she decided to defend the country against invaders.

Mei rewrote four important lines to show the change: "For 20 years I've been away from the armor and battle field. Today I'm on an expedition to defend the country. Battlefield reports boost every one's heart. Could Mu Guiying not think of serving the country and the people?"

Accompanying the four lines, Mei devised body movements and music that he learned from other folk operas such as Yuju and Hebei Bangzi. "I love this character very much. I have deep feelings towards her," Mei said.

(China Daily 05/12/2008 page8)