On May 31, the Mei Lanfang Peking Opera Troupe held a workshop at the Confucius Institute in Edmonton. During the workshop, Mr. Mei Wei, the grandson of Beijing opera master Mei Baojiu, introduced the traditions and features of Beijing opera including the development of Beijing opera, different characters, costumes, accessories, music instruments, and movements, etc. Followed by the artists’ demonstrations, some audiences were invited to the stage to learn some movements and music instruments of Beijing opera. The most famous Beijing Opera artist of Mei style, Mr. Hu Wenge, also spoke at the workshop and expressed his hope that Beijing Opera as the treasure of China can continue to be promoted and shared in Canada as well as in the world.
The workshop was well received by more than 100 audience. Some people expressed that they learned a lot and really enjoyed the presentation. After the workshop, many of the audiences had the pictures taken with the artists from Beijing, China.
The Mei Lanfang Peking Opera Troupe also provided two other workshops at the schools. In the morning of May 31, Ross Sheppard High School hosted the first workshop and more than 600 students attended. Some students were bused in from several other schools. The second school workshop was held at M.E. LaZerte High School Theater on June 2. About 300 students participated in this workshop. During these workshops, students were provided the opportunities to learn about Beijing Opera and also experience the some basic movements and music instruments. The excellent presentation by Mei Lanfang Beijing Opera Troupe drew a lot of attention and interest from the students.