However, in a talent show in 2006, a contestant named Li Yugang attracted people's attention to traditional opera culture. When Li Yugang first appeared in public, his first impression was not only beauty, but also the fairy in the painting. But when he showed that he was a man, it attracted the audience's attention to the art of traditional Chinese opera. In fact, "women disguised as men" is not uncommon in the art of traditional Chinese opera. The famous Peking Opera performer, Master Mei Lanfang, is also famous for her actress. Moreover, in the artistic career of Master Mei Lanfang for more than 50 years, it has developed into a unique artistic school-"Mei School".
"Mei School" has a lofty position in Beijing Opera, but even so, it has declined in this fast-paced era. Appreciating Beijing opera requires not only calm down, but also hard work. Compared with more pop music, singing and dancing is not generally high, and it can be called a modern "Chun Xue". In 20 10, Li Yugang, who had already gained fame, once again surprised the world with a song "Drunkenness of the New Imperial Lady". A piece of opera singing that is not common in pop music even fascinated the audience and made many people feel the beauty of Beijing opera for the first time. The name of "Drunkenness of the New Imperial Lady" comes from Mei Lanfang's masterpiece "Drunkenness of the Imperial Lady", which is a perfect combination of the inheritance and innovation of traditional culture.
Because of this, Li Yugang is regarded as the inheritor of Peking Opera by the public, but in fact he is not a trained artist, nor is he an artist who specializes in Peking Opera. But at that time, Li Yugang's contribution to the promotion of Peking Opera was obvious to all, and Mr. Mei Baojiu, the son of Master Mei Lanfang, became an unforgettable friend with him. Mr. Mei Baojiu has inherited his father's legacy and is determined to carry forward his father's legacy. In fact, he did. Unfortunately, under the trend of the times, he also had to accept the fact that the whole opera industry was declining. So Li Yugang's wish will naturally be favored by Mr. Mei Baojiu.
However, this story, which was supposed to be an artistic anecdote, later developed in the opposite direction. Mr. Mei Baojiu even said angrily, I will never forgive Li Yugang until I die! Why is this?
As mentioned earlier, Peking Opera art is the "Chun Xue" of this era, and the industry itself has inherited many traditional rules. This is understandable whether it is out of respect and awe for the predecessors or the maintenance of this industry. However, the media in this era did not understand these artistic feelings, which led to some misunderstandings. After Li Yugang's Drunk Maid became popular, the media praised him endlessly, and even put him on an equal footing with Master Mei Lanfang with the phrase "Before Mei Lanfang, after Li Yugang".
You know, although Li Yugang's artistic form has inherited some traditions, it is not strictly Peking Opera, let alone Mei School art, and the media's pursuit of Li Yugang is understandable. However, this unpretentious remark seems to have pierced a thorn in Mei Baojiu's heart. As the son of Master Mei Lanfang, as the successor and head of the "Mei School" art, how could he accept the juxtaposition of Li Yugang and his father? But Mr Mei Baojiu is not without reason. After all, this sentence was not said by Li Yugang himself, but written by the media, so although they had bad blood at that time, they did not break up.
Once Mei Baojiu and Li Yugang were invited to attend the event at the same time. Li Yugang wanted to take this opportunity to ease their relationship, but Mei Baojiu broke up with them completely because of a mistake. Li Yugang's original intention was to close the relationship with Mei Baojiu and Mei School, but he was mistakenly said, "I thank you on behalf of Mei School artists ..." Mei Baojiu, who was sitting under the stage, left the room angrily, and Li Yugang immediately realized that he had said something wrong and was embarrassed. Respect and awe for art is one of the important reasons for the inheritance of Peking Opera and other traditional Chinese opera arts. Otherwise, how can Mei Baojiu, who is over 70 years old, be as knowledgeable as the younger generation?
It is out of this awe of Peking Opera art and Mei School culture that Mei Jiubao counted "new hatred and old hatred" and said: I will never forgive Li Yugang until I die! But from the bystander's point of view, there is no "old hatred" between Mei and Li. Although Li Yugang is a big man, he is not an arrogant person, let alone one who can compete with Master Mei Lanfang. But after Li Yugang's slip of the tongue, this misunderstanding was further amplified. Although Li Yugang has been apologizing, he has never found a suitable opportunity to resolve the contradiction.
On April 25th, 20 16, Mei Baojiu, a master of Peking Opera, died at the age of 82, and Li Yugang never had a chance to bury the hatchet with this venerable old artist. This is not only Li Yugang's personal regret, but also the regret in the history of modern art. Perhaps Li Yugang will continue to work hard to spread traditional culture, which is the best comfort for Mr. Mei Lao in the spirit of heaven!