Mei Baojiu's sudden passing in 2016 was a devastating blow. Ten years after his death, Lu is embarking on her first national tour, beginning on Jan 25 in Beijing and traveling through five cities, with 13 performances throughout 2026.
One of the pieces she will perform during this tour is Taizhen Waizhuan, a masterpiece premiered by Mei Lanfang in 1925 and 1926; the first two parts were performed in 1925, and the final two in 1926.
The piece, inspired by Changhen Ge (The Song of Everlasting Sorrow), a narrative poem by Tang Dynasty (618-907) poet Bai Juyi, tells the tragic love story of the legendary royal concubine, Yang Yuhuan, and Tang Emperor Xuanzong.
Mei Lanfang's version captivated audiences with its original songs and choreography, becoming a resounding success. Taizhen, in the title, refers to Yang's Taoist name.
