C
Any introduction to Peking Opera would not be complete without telling of Mei Lanfang. Traditionally only men performed in Peking Opera, including the female roles. And Mei Lanfang was the very best master of the miss. During his stage life, he combined the traditions of the past with his own creations, shaping a style of his own and giving birth to “The Mei Lanfang School”. He was also the first artist to introduce Peking Opera to an overseas audience, making it popular to the world. For half a century, Mei Lanfang was a household name in China.
Mei Lanfang began his stage life at the age of 8. His teacher said he showed little hope because of his boring eyes. To improve this, he exercised them day after day. He would fly kites and look at them moving slowly in a blue sky. He also kept pigeons in order to look at them soaring higher and higher until they disappeared into the clouds. Thanks to his efforts, he managed to transform his dull eyes into a pair of bright and expressive eyes and win national fame before the age of 20.
In over 50 years on the stage, Mei Lanfang played no less than 100 different characters in the traditional Peking Opera performance. He completely changed both stage make-up and costumes, and enriched characters' gestures, expressions and poses. He also wrote many new plays, designing the dances himself. The many dances he created form part of the great legacy that he left to Peking Opera.
In 1930, Mei Lanfang started on a successful US tour. There his brilliant performances fascinated the audience, making them realize that Peking Opera was a theatrical form of great literary and artistic value.
44. Mei Lanfang was the first artist to introduce Peking Opera to ______.
A. China B. Beijing C. the world D. schools
45. When did Mei Lanfang begin his stage life?
A. At the age of 8. B. At the age of 20. C. In 1930. D. In 1950.
46. What is the meaning of the underlined word “legacy” in paragraph 3?
A. Someone well known all over the world.
B. Someone considered to be an art treasure.
C. Something traditional combined with modern dances.
D. Something valuable passed down from generation to generation.
47. What is the main idea of the passage?
A. The history of Peking Opera.
B. Mei Lanfang’s early stage life.
C. The creations of Peking Opera by Mei Lanfang.
D. Mei Lanfang’s great contributions to Peking Opera.
