Quick Answer: Who Was Ma Jinfeng?
Ma Jinfeng (马金凤, Mǎ Jīnfèng, 1922–2022) was a leading performer of Yu opera (豫剧, Yùjù), the Henan stage tradition. She became closely associated with shuaidan (帅旦, shuàidàn), the role of a female commander, through her performance in Mu Guiying Takes Command (穆桂英挂帅, Mù Guìyīng Guàshuài).[1][2][4]
- Region: Born in Shandong, Ma built her career in Henan theater.[1][3][4]
- Voice: Listen for a bright sound and clearly articulated words.[1][2]
- First viewing: Start with the opera film that credits Ma as Mu Guiying.[1][5]
Start with the passage where the seal arrives. Listen to the words as Ma’s stance changes.
An order from the court makes an older general consider returning to command. Ma gives that decision time to unfold, keeping the words clear through a long sung passage.
From Shandong to Henan Opera
Ma was born in Cao County, Shandong. She learned theater in childhood and later worked in troupes in Shangqiu and Luoyang. Her association with Luoyang, a center of Henan culture, earned her a nickname that likened her to the city’s peonies.[1][2][3]
Ma won first prize for acting at Henan’s 1956 opera showcase for her performance as Mu Guiying. The work was filmed in 1958. Later, Ma taught at the National Academy of Chinese Theatre Arts and performed with students, extending the style beyond the troupe in which she developed it.[1]
How Ma Played a Commander
Mu Guiying is a heroine of the Yang family stories. In the play she has been away from command when the court calls on her again. The role asks the performer to move between private reflection and the bearing expected of a commander.[1][5]
Ma drew on several Chinese opera role types to make that combination work. The sustained singing and composed bearing of some female roles sit alongside the measured stance and movements associated with martial roles. Watch how a change in posture can mark the decision to take command.[1][2]
What to Hear in the Ma School
The Ma school (马派, Mǎpài) is known for a bright voice and clear diction. Ma built the style mainly on eastern Henan melodies and drew on other variants from the province. Ma could fit a long stretch of text into a comparatively simple melodic line and give short repeated phrases their own rhythmic lift.[1][2]
A long passage can stay easy to follow because the words carry the thought through. Shorter repetitions give the ear a change in rhythm. Two other works associated with her school are Hua Da Chao (花打朝, Huā Dǎ Cháo) and Huaqiang Yuan (花枪缘, Huāqiāng Yuán), both adapted as opera films.[1][2]
FAQs About Ma Jinfeng
Did Ma Jinfeng also learn from Mei Lanfang?
Yes. Ma became a student of Peking opera performer Mei Lanfang (梅兰芳, Méi Lánfāng) in 1957. Her own school and best-known filmed role belong to Yu opera.[1][2]
Which version of Mu Guiying Takes Command should I look for?
Look for the Yu opera version with Ma in the cast. CCTV lists that film with Ding Guiyun as the family matriarch. The Peking opera version has the same title, so check the genre and cast in the credits.[5][6]
Fuentes
[1] China Intangible Cultural Heritage Network. Ma Jinfeng, Yu Opera Inheritor
[2] China Intangible Cultural Heritage Network (Red del Patrimonio Cultural Inmaterial de China). Ma Jinfeng
[3] CCTV. Ma Jinfeng, Master of Yu Opera
[4] People’s Daily Online. Ma Jinfeng Obituary
[5] CCTV. Mu Guiying Takes Command in Yu Opera
[6] CCTV. Mu Guiying Takes Command in Peking Opera