Description
Book SynopsisThis book offers a stimulating introduction to the Hokkien music drama known as
liyuanxi (pear garden theatre'), heir and current expression of one of China's oldest unbroken
xiqu (Chinese opera') traditions. It considers the genre's history prior to the 20th century, its signal successes before and after the Cultural Revolution, and its national prominence today. Beginning with an analysis of the form's aesthetics and techniques, it proceeds to an overview of its rich and distinctive narrative repertoire, including several dramas unique to the genre.Josh Stenberg illustrates
liyuanxi's distinctive musical and narrative qualities and presents the performance art's place, not only in Chinese drama and theatre history, but also in the culture of the historic port city of Quanzhou and the broader Hokkien region and diaspora. This study focuses on the work of the only professional theatre troupe in the genre, the Fujian Province Liyuanxi Experimental Theatre (FPLET), a
Trade ReviewThis is a very important book on a unique genre of Chinese opera that, I believe, will benefit students of world theater. * Liana Chen, George Washington University, USA *
Table of ContentsList of Illustrations Acknowledgments Series Preface Preface
Introduction: Liyuanxi in the Family of Chinese Theatres Quanzhou and Hokkien Culture and Identity Origin of the Genre Name and Role of Marshal Tian Three Tendencies of
Liyuanxi 1. Liyuanxi History Early History and Textual Heritage
Liyuanxi in the Modern Era The Troupe in Society Diasporic
Liyuanxi 2. Performance Foundations and Style Aesthetics and Technique Stage Motion Role Types
Liyuanxi Speech, Music and Prosody Make-up, Costumes, Stages
3. Repertoire Overview Traditional Romantic Play: Chen San and Wuniang Zhu Wen and the Lucky Coins: Traditional Ghost Play Traditional Humorous Play: Zhu Maichen Contemporary Tragic Play: The Chaste Woman’s Lament Contemporary Humorous Play: Scholar Dong and Madam Li Revising for Gender: The Imperial Stele Conclusions Endnotes Bibliography Index
