Right line
Xu Mengxue, the first female hualian (painted-face) performer in Yangzhou Opera history, was recently conferred with the Newcomer Award at the 33rd Shanghai Magnolia Stage Awards for her boundary-breaking solo showcase.
Defying traditional gender roles, Xu played three cross-genre characters—Zhang Fei in Lu Hua Dang, Xue Pinggui in Wujia Slope, and Xu Shiying in Tong Tian Rhino.
Xu Mengxue does a single-leg stand during a show. [Photo/yznews.cn]
When learning Lu Hua Dang, considered a foundational work for hualian performers, Xu shaved her head—a practical choice for training convenience and makeup requirements.
Through diligent practice, Xu honed her skills in Chang (singing), Nian (dialogue), Zuo (acting), and Da (acrobatics), and refined her gestures, eye movements, facial expressions, posture, and footwork.
Xu Mengxue paints her face, reaching beyond her hairline. [Photo/yznews.cn]
At the National Academy of Chinese Theatre Arts, Xu studied the classical Peking Opera Tong Tian Rhino from Ren Yilin, an opera master from China National Peking Opera Company.
Ren tailored some lyrics and extended the original 20-second opening chant of Tong Tian Rhino into a three-to-four-minute score designed for a unique singing style called Daluban in Yangzou Opera.
To ensure a perfect performance, Xu overcame various physical challenges by adapting intensive training methods, such as weighted training.
Xu Mengxue performs Wujia Slope in colorful makeup and a classical costume. [Photo/yznews.cn]
Xu also demonstrated versatility in Wujia Slope, where she performed laosheng (older male roles). Through flexible shifts in her vocals and emotional expressions, Xu showcased the delicacy of the civil roles, which are completely different from bold hualian roles.
