Many of Li Shengsu's fans are fascinated by her beautiful stage appearance, posture and singing when she performs Peking opera.As a national first-class actress and representative figure of the Mei Lanfang School of Peking Opera, Li has created vivid images of many brilliant women throughout her career. Li's wonderful performances have reminded many Peking opera fans, from both home and abroad, of Mei's glory. Mei (October 1894-August 1961) was one of the most famous Peking opera artists, and he was known for his female roles.

[Photos supplied by Li Shengsu]

Unique Role
耳目一新
During the evening of October 12, 2011, Peking University's Century Hall, which could hold more than 2,000 people, was packed. The new Peking opera Bosom Friend was on the bill. The opera was based on the experiences of General Cai E*1, who fought bravely to overturn the autocratic monarchy of the imperial court of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), and the love between him and "Xiao Fengxian (nickname of the woman)," a well-known prostitute in Beijing during the Republic of China (1912-1949).

Li Shengsu, a national first-class actress with China Peking Opera Troupe, performed the role of "Xiao Fengxian." When she appeared on stage, her valorous looks and melodious singing brought down the house.

It was a great challenge for Li, as it was the first time that she performed the role of the well-known prostitute, who was vastly different from the qingyi roles (female roles of young or middle-aged women with gentle and refined dispositions in Peking opera) she had previously performed. Before she performed the role, Li studied historical materials about "Xiao Fengxian," so she could accurately depict the character's sophisticated inner world; dealing with the rich and powerful people skillfully, she had much admiration for Cai.

Throughout her career, Li has successfully performed the roles of many well-known women — such as Yang Yuhuan, the favorite concubine (famous for her beauty) of Emperor Xuanzong of the Tang Dynasty (618-907), and Xiao Qiao, wife of Zhou Yu, a famous general of the State of Wu during the Three Kingdoms (220-280) period — in Chinese history. However, she admits that she prefers traditional operas, such as Drunken Beauty*2, as they combine singing and acting, as they give actors and actresses greater opportunity to display their skills.