He joined Xi-Lian-Cheng Theatrical Company at 14 and performed in Shanghai and elsewhere thereafter. His performance in 'Shattering Flowers' won him a special fame.

Mei began studying Beijing Opera at eight and played his debut role at 12. His grandfather and father were all famous opera actors. Mei Lan-Fang was born Octoin Tai Zhao of China's Jiangsu province.

A superlative singer, actor and dancer of Beijing Opera female role Qing Yi and a towering figure in the Chinese theater. The best known Beijing Opera master ever. It is said that a flash in the stage is a reflection of ten years unremitting hard work. But this also gives an account on how hard they should practice their skill in order to be a successful player. Female were rare and usually took this profession because of their family background. Director CHEN Kai-Ge's film Farewell my Concubine gives a picture of the situation. Far earlier than the dawn, they had to get up to practice their voice and performance skills and do their mandatory works. Any of the failure or even success would result in some heavy slashes or other physical punishment.

They had to absolutely obey the commands of the school master and teachers. Most of the actors entered the Training School as apprentices in their childhood because their parents could not feed them. Opera performance used to be a male dominated profession. The theatrical or musical occupation was considered the lowest class in the society.

Chinese opera singers