China News Service, Shanghai, March 7 (Reporter Wang Ji) The reporter learned from the Shanghai Peking Opera Theater that Sun Zhengyang, a famous Peking Opera performing artist and a national first-class actor at the Shanghai Peking Opera Theater, failed to treat his illness and passed away on March 7 in the sixth hospital in Shanghai. Passed away at People's Hospital at the age of 93.
Sun Zhengyang, a famous Peking Opera performing artist and a national first-class actor at the Shanghai Peking Opera Theatre. Picture courtesy of Shanghai Peking Opera Theater
Sun Zhengyang was born in 1931 and studied art since childhood; at the age of 9, he was admitted to the "Zheng" generation Peking Opera class of Shanghai Theater School, where he studied under the tutelage of Liu Songqiao, Luo Wenkui, Guan Hongbin, Liang Lianzhu, etc.; joined Shanghai in 1955 Peking Opera Theater often performs on the same stage with Zhou Xinfang, Gai Jietian, Yu Zhenfei, Yan Huizhu and other famous artists.
Sun Zhengyang has a solid foundation in both civil and military skills. His voice is crisp and clear, his recitation is crisp, his performance is humorous and not vulgar, and he is inclusive of both northern and southern schools of art. He has formed a unique performance style and is known as the "Famous Chou in the South of the Yangtze River". His representative plays include "Blocking the Horse", "Sea Zhou Pass", "Collecting Jade Bracelets", "Taking Tiger Mountain by Wisdom", etc. In particular, he successfully played the role of "Luan Ping" in "Taking Tiger Mountain by Wisdom", leaving a lasting impression on the audience. Deeply impressed.
"Hai Zhou Passes the Pass", Sun Zhengyang plays Hai Zhou. Photo courtesy of Shanghai Peking Opera Theater
Sun Zhengyang has devoted his whole life to his beloved Peking Opera, and he is still performing for the audience when he is over 70 years old. In his later years, Sun Zhengyang mentored young people, accompanied them in performances, and passed on his ugly skills to the next generation.
It is reported that Sun Zhengyang’s memorial service is scheduled to be held on March 11. (End)
