The 20th century was a dynamic period for the theatrical arts in China. Booming urban theatres, the interaction between commercial practice and theatre, dramas staged during the War of Resistance against Japan and a healthy dialogue between Western and Eastern theatres all contributed to the momentousness of this period. The four volumes of "A History of Chinese Theatre in the 20th Century" display the developmental trajectories of Chinese theatre over those hundred years.
This volume deals with the development of Chinese theatre from 1900 to 1949, covering the prosperity of Peking Opera, the advent of play and colorful local dramas. The author shows that the modernization of Chinese theatre was subject to both internal factors and influences from the outside world, while modernity and localization are two contradictory but complementary dimensions in any interpretation of Chinese theatre in the 20th century.
Scholars and students in the history of the arts, especially the history of Chinese theatre, will find this book to be an essential guide.
Part 1: New Dramas and New Stages
1. Emergence and Development of Peking Opera (Jingju)
2. The Emergence of Minor Genres and Civilian Aesthetics
3. Theatrical Reform Campaign and New Concepts
Part 2: Updating Concepts and Adapting Theatrical Industry to Market Requirements
4. New Orientation for Theatrical Reform
5. New Changes in the Performing Market
Appendix 1: All the Repertoire
Appendix 2: Dramatic Terms
Appendix 3: Relevant Historical Events and Terms in the Particular Period
Biography
Fu Jin, vice chairman of China Literary Critics Association; member of Evaluation Panel of State Council Academic Degree Commission (discipline of drama, fi lm and television); professor and doctorial supervisor of Liberal Arts School, Nanking University; chairman of Academic Commission, National Academy of Chinese Theatrical Arts. His academic monographs in theatrical studies are: A History of Chinese Theatre, Theories and Practice for Protecting Intangible Cultural Legacy, The Vitality of Grass Root – Field Survey and Studies into Taizhou Theatrical Troupes . His compiled works are: Historical Accounts of Peking Opera (Volumes of the Qing Dynasty) and Complete Works of Mei Lanfang . Professor Fu Jin has won several laurels from Ministry of Education, China Federation of Literary and Art Circles, Ministry of Education and Peking Municipality for his brilliant achievements in academic studies.
