Mei Lanfang

High school (ages 12+)
History & Culture

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Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/mei-lanfang

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. When was Mei Lanfang born?October 22, 1894
2. When did Mei Lanfang die?August 8, 1961
3. Where was Mei Lanfang born?Daxing District, Beijing, China
4. What is Mei Lanfang known for?Considered one of the 'Four Great Dan' of Peking opera
5. What is the artistic specialization?Mastery of female lead roles (dan), particularly the 'qingyi' archetype
6. What was Mei Lanfang famous for in Peking opera?Mei Lanfang was famous for playing female characters, especially graceful and virtuous roles called "qingyi." He was a master of the "dan" roles, which are the female parts in Peking opera.

Peking Opera (Jingju): A highly stylized Chinese theatrical form integrating music, vocal performance, mime, dance, and acrobatics.
Dan (旦): The category of female roles in Peking opera, traditionally performed by male actors.
Qingyi (青衣): A major type of dan role, representing virtuous, dignified, and mature women characterized by grace and refinement.
Cultural Ambassador: An individual who represents their nation's culture internationally, fostering mutual understanding and goodwill.