2023 Mei Lanfang Arts Festival debuts in Taizhou city

The 2023 China (Taizhou) Mei Lanfang Arts Festival kicked off at the Taizhou Grand Theatre in Taizhou city – located in East China's Jiangsu province – on the evening of Sept 27.

Glitzy performances enthrall the audience at the opening ceremony. [Photo/WeChat ID: tzfabu]

Mei Lanfang (1894-1961), one of the foremost masters of Peking Opera, was born in Taizhou. His artistic qualities and humanistic spirit have been passed down for over a century and have become an exemplar of Chinese culture.

Running from Sept 27 to Oct 27, this year's festival will feature events such as the Plum Blossom Prizes issued for outstanding performances, the fourth international Mei Lanfang school Peking opera concert, the fourth Jiangsu provincial Peking Opera concert and school drama performances.

As the hometown of Mei Lanfang, Taizhou is said to be committed to promoting traditional Chinese opera culture and nurturing talent in the field.

The Mei Lanfang Arts Festival, which began in 2008, has become one of China's most influential cultural events, serving as a symbol of Taizhou's rich cultural heritage.

During the opening ceremony, the China Mei Lanfang Cultural Arts Research Association signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Taizhou University, the publicity department of the Taizhou Municipal Committee of the Communist Party of China and the Jiangsu Performing Arts Group Co Ltd – reinforcing the festival's importance in promoting Peking Opera culture.

Resplendent costumes and the vivid makeup of the performers add  bursts of color to the stage, enhancing the visual spectacle of the Peking Opera. [Photo/WeChat ID: tzfabu]

The actor's expressive facial gestures convey a myriad of emotions, immersing the audience in the captivating storytelling of this ancient art form. [Photo/WeChat ID: tzfabu]