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Beijing Opera Sees Less Male Performers of Female Parts
"Nan Dan," male performers taking female parts in Beijing Opera, will soon be out of the stage, according to Shanghai-based "Wenhui Daily."
"Nan Dan" used to take the absolute advantage in Beijing Opera. The four male performers of Cheng Yanqiu, Shang Xiaoyun, Mei Lanfang and Xun Huisheng were known almost by everyone in China since the twenties.
In old times, the constant traveling of Chinese traditional opera troupes made it hard for female performers to stay in the troupe. Also, the inconvenience of men and women living together made it difficult for women's participation in the opera performance.
So "Dan", the female part in Beijing opera, was originally designed for males to play, said Wen Ruhua, a performer with the Beijing Opera Theater of Beijing.
Renowned opera performers including Mei Baojiu, son of Mei Lanfang, did not say too much of regret of no successors to "Nan Dan." "Let the 'Nan Dan' run its course," Mei said.
"No repelling nor advocating" attitude now prevails the opera circle. Performer Li Yufu did not consider "Nan Dan" a must by saying that the all-female Yue Opera is now still accepted by audience though it has taken male performers.
A 12-year-old boy who successfully played the childhood of a famous "Nan Dan" in a film refused to learn "Dan" and insisted taking male parts.
Dr. Su Shijin with Fudan University's Psychology Consultation Center told "Wenhui Daily," "The male performers apparently have two split parts at the stage and in their daily lives. They wish to see themselves as normal healthy men."
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