The Fate of China's Master of Drama

Author: Mei Lanfang
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-09-01
Features: Collected articles from seven renowned Chinese writers in Hong Kong's prestigious magazine. A feast of thoughts from global Chinese literary giants, part of the "Bright Moon" series featuring the best works from the 40-year history of Hong Kong's influential magazine Ming Pao Monthly.
Jin Yong: Jin Yong's Collected Essays.
Mei Lanfang, Ma Lianliang, Cheng Yanqiu, etc.: The Fates of Chinese Drama Masters.
Wang Meng, Yu Qiuyu, Mo Yan, Dong Qiao, Leo Ou-fan Lee, Wang Anyi, Erhuohe: The Greats.
Yu Yingshi, Zhou Cezong, Zhou Ruchang, etc.: Red Chamber Dreams (Volumes 1 & 2).
Yan Huo: Starry Sky of an Alien.
This "Bright Moon" series, featuring the best works from the 40-year history of Ming Pao Monthly, was published under exclusive authorization from the magazine's editorial team and distributed by the People's Literature Publishing House. Ming Pao Monthly has journeyed through the corridors of history. "The corridor of history" is not a grand highway, nor a golden path—it is far from smooth or picturesque. On either side stand sheer cliffs, and the path one can traverse is merely a narrow crevice. History itself has emerged from this crevice, exploring and searching while struggling and striving. The progression of Bright Moon mirrors this.
Yet, despite the uneven terrain, it has persevered, step by step, from its inception under Mr. Qian Liangrong to its 40-year journey through the corridors of history. Over the long river of Bright Moon's operation, it has been edited by eight. The first was Mr. Qian Liangrong, the founder of the Ming Pao Group and Bright Moon. Subsequents included Hu Jiu-ren, Dong Qiao, Zhang Jianbo, Guo Deming, Pan Yaoming, Qiu Liben, and Gu Zhao-shen. Since 1998, I took over the editorial duties for the second time. Hu Jiu-ren served for twelve years; Dong Qiao followed for seven; I served for four years in the first period and eight in the later period, totaling twelve years, the same as Hu Jiu-ren.
The first decade of Bright Moon was its golden period, with excellent sales—even its inaugural issue was reprinted. However, as Mr. Qian Liangrong said, "The first ten years were quite difficult." While pouring all our hearts and efforts into it, we also faced criticism and attacks. I was merely a successor, editing a magazine renowned both in China and abroad with my limited knowledge, and I felt inadequate in handling even the finer details of the editorial work. During this time, we also weathered the financial crisis and the economic downturn in Hong Kong. Readers' reading habits became erratic, and the sales of Hong Kong magazines gradually declined, with even some prestigious titles sinking in this storm.
Yet Bright Moon managed to survive, with its subscriber base nearly doubling and sales steadily growing—a remarkable feat.