Forever Enthralled

Mei Lan Fang was born to a family of Beijing Opera performers in 1894. At the end of the Qing Dynasty, the social status of opera performers was equivalent to prostitutes of that time. Though his performance was appreciated by many, his feminine roles received disdain. Mei Lan Fang incurred the wrath of veteran performer and family friend Shi Sanyan. Mei Lan Fang's outstanding performance captured the love and admiration of the young audience and this threatened Shi Sanyan's prestigious status. With Mei Lan Fang overshadowing him, Shi Sanyan launched a duel with Mei Lan Fang. Mei Lan Fang was unwilling to continue the duel with Shi Sanyan as he knew he was leading and that Shi Sanyan was just fighting for his dignity. However, Shi Sanyan was adamant on competing till the end, and as a result, he was defeated and died. With Shi Sanyan's demise, Mei Lan Fang feared that he would end up the same way. He went on with his life and married Fu Zhifang. Not only he built a family, he also built an esteemed career that made him famous in Asia. Upon invitation, he went to perform in United States and met a fellow actress, Meng Xiaodong, who performed masculine roles. Mei Lan Fang was attracted by her open mind and humour and they became confidantes. Fu Zhifang interfered in the blossoming friendship, thus resulting in Meng Xiaodong's decision to leave Mei Lan Fang. Despite the loss of a confidante, Mei Lan Fang continued to do excellent portrayals in his performance, thus winning the hearts of Western audience. In his whole life, Mei Lan Fang lived his whole life in the paper cangue and calmly took it for granted. He won people's love with a bravery to confront all calamities. He conquered the shame and fear he was born with. When he himself was no longer an obstacle, nothing would be.