Li Yugang's fame and controversy
In 2006, Li Yugang quickly became popular with the song "Farewell My Concubine" and became a well-known national artist.
His performance style and innovative attempts at traditional Peking Opera have sparked dissatisfaction and controversy among some traditional factions.
In particular, the descendants of the Mei School criticized Li Yugang's performance, believing that it was vulgar and indecent, and did not conform to the orthodox art of the Mei School.
Every time he tries and innovates, it is accompanied by different voices and evaluations.
But it is precisely these controversies that have also enriched and diversified Li Yugang's artistic path and become part of his artistic exploration.
Li Yugang's story begins in a crop field in the northeast, a boy with dreams, in the face of family financial difficulties, he gave up the opportunity to continue his education and chose to enter the society. While working at a music restaurant, he was fascinated by music and had the dream of forming a band.
Li Yugang's band path was not smooth at first. He formed a small band with a few partners, but the lack of an audience and a badge hit him by reality. The band disbanded after being reported once, but Li Yugang did not give up because of this.
The indomitable Li Yugang started singing on the street and gradually won recognition with his excellent voice and talent.
The conflict between Li Yugang's artistic path and the Mei School gradually became the focus. Although he was self-taught, he was criticized for not being an authentic Mei faction.
In the face of controversy, Li Yugang did not stop, but continued to accumulate strength, and won a high reputation at home and abroad with works such as "The Drunken Concubine" and "Farewell My Concubine".
Although Li Yugang's performance style has been questioned by some, his artistic achievements and adherence to traditional culture have won more people's respect. His influence and contribution to Peking Opera is unquestionable.
The intensification of the conflict between Li Yugang and the Mei faction and his personal achievements
Li Yugang's fame rose to prominence, and a fierce controversy with the Mei faction ensued. The public criticism of Ma Hongcai, the master of the Mei faction, and the strong reaction of Mei Baojiu, the son of Mei Lanfang, pushed Li Yugang to the forefront of public opinion.
In the face of these criticisms, Li Yugang did not choose to remain silent, but proved his strength and contribution to traditional culture through continuous artistic practice and international performances.
Li Yugang's "The Drunken Concubine" caused a sensation in France, and the subsequent "Farewell My Concubine" conquered the hearts of domestic audiences. His performances have been sold-out in Australia, France and other countries, showing his far-reaching influence.
Even after Mei Baojiu's death, the relationship between the two was not repaired, Li Yugang still said that he would not forget the traditional culture and promote the quintessence of the country in his own way.
However, he has always adhered to his artistic philosophy, and has never wavered even when he has been questioned and ostracized by traditional factions.
Li Yugang's artistic career is not only a legend of personal struggle, but also a bold innovation of traditional art forms.
His performances transcend the boundaries of gender, reinterpreting the art of Peking Opera in the form of men disguising themselves as women, and opening up a new path for the dissemination of traditional culture.
In Li Yugang's body, we see the perfect combination of traditional culture and modern aesthetics.
In the face of controversy and criticism from traditional factions, Li Yugang showed extraordinary perseverance and courage. He was not swayed by the doubts, but continued to explore and move forward on the road of art, and this spirit is worth learning from everyone.
Although Li Yugang's artistic path is full of controversy, his contribution to traditional culture is indelible. In the future, his artistic achievements will continue to inspire those who come after him to explore and innovate more about traditional culture.
Li Yugang's story is a story about art, dreams and perseverance. He used his own experience to tell us that no matter how difficult and controversial it is, as long as we stick to our dreams, we can create our own brilliance.