Mei Qiaoling
Mei Qiaoling (25 September 1842 – 16 December 1882), born Mei Fang, courtesy name Xiaobo and art name Huixian, was an artist and actor. He was from the Qing dynasty. He acted in Peking opera. He acted in Beijing. He mostly played in dan roles. This meant that he mostly played in women roles. Mei Qiaoling was born in Taizhou, Jiangsu. He was sold to a man in Suzhou at age 8. Mei was later sold to a theatrical troupe. He was then trained to become a performer. He was known to be fat. He earned the nickname "Fat Qiaoling" (胖巧玲). When he was 30, he became the leader of the Four Happiness Troupe (四喜班). This was one of the most famous troupes in Beijing.
Mei Qiaoling | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Born | Mei Fang September 25, 1842 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Died | December 16, 1882 (aged 40) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Occupation | Peking opera and kunqu performer | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Employer | Four Happiness Troupe | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Known for | Dan roles | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
His son Mei Yutian was also a performer. His grandson Mei Lanfang was the most accomplished Peking opera artist.
In popular culture
In the 2002 comedy TV series The Best Clown Under Heaven (天下第一丑), Mei Qiaoling is portrayed by Peking opera actor Song Xiaochuan (宋小川).
