Cheng Yan Qiu

Cheng Yan Qiu

Born for the Peking Opera - Cheng Yanquiu

Cheng Yan Qiu began to learn Peking Opera at the age of six, first learning wusheng (actor playing a martial role) from Rong Diexian, then huadan (a role for a vivacious maiden, a young woman with a frank and open personality, or a woman of questionable character) from Chen Tongyun, and qingyi (a role usually representing a middle-aged woman who always acts as a Mrs or Miss from a noble family) from Chen Xiaoyun.

He went on stage at the age of 11 and one year later he joined other actors in performing General's Son to Be Executed, A Child Left in the Mulberry Garden and The Pavilion of Royal Monument, which earned favorable comments. He could play various roles.

Cheng also wrote and performed a lot of new operas since the 1920s, such as the Blue Frost Sword, An Emerald Hairpin, Lady Mei, the Dream of the Young Lady, and etc.

Rong Diexian

1904

Chen Tongyun

Chen Xiaoyun

Mei Lan Fang

No

Mei Lan Fang

Shang Xiao Yun

Xun Hui Sheng

Male

Mandarin

Person

chengyanqiu1904

1904-01-01

Beijing, China

1958-03-09

Chinese Peking opera singer

Peking Opera artist Cheng Yanqiu dedicated his life to advancing in Peking Opera. He spent his last years living at No. 39 in Xisi Beisantiao, Beijing. His family was originated from the Plain Yellow Banner of the Qing Dynasty. Cheng signed a seven-year contract and worked for the Rong's theatrical troupe. He was taught to act huadan and qingyi. He later met Luo Ying Gong and studied literature, calligraphy, painting, films and other art forms to improve his understanding of the Peking Opera. His singing, distinct eyesight, movements and postures gave rise to his style of performance knowns as the Cheng School of Peking Opera.

National Peking Opera Company