Full Description
This condensed anthology reproduces close to a dozen plays from Xiaomei Chen's well-received original collection, The Columbia Anthology of Modern Chinese Drama, along with her critical introduction to the historical, cultural, and aesthetic evolution of twentieth-century Chinese spoken drama. Comprising representative works from the Republican era to postsocialist China, the book encapsulates the revolutionary rethinking of Chinese theater and performance that began in the late Qing dynasty and vividly portrays the uncertainty and anxiety brought on by modernism, socialism, political conflict, and war. Chosen works from 1919 to 1990 also highlight the formation of national and gender identities during a period of tremendous social, cultural, and political change in China and the genesis of contemporary attitudes toward the West. PRC theater tracks the rise of communism, juxtaposing ideals of Chinese socialism against the sacrifices made for a new society. Post-Mao drama addresses the nation's socialist legacy, its attempt to reexamine its cultural roots, and postsocialist reflections on critical issues such as nation, class, gender, and collective memories.
An essential, portable guide for easy reference and classroom use, this abridgment provides a concise yet well-rounded survey of China's theatricality and representation of political life. The original work not only established a canon of modern Chinese drama in the West but also made it available for the first time in English in a single volume.
Contents
Acknowledgments Introduction 1. Hu Shi, The Main Event in Life (1919), translated by Edward M. Gunn 2. Tian Han, The Night the Tiger Was Caught (1922-1923), translated by Jonathan S. Noble 3. Ouyang Yuqian, After Returning Home (1922), translated by Jonathan S. Noble 4. Ding Xilin, A Wasp (1923), translated by John B. Weinstein and Carsey Yee 5. Bai Wei, Breaking Out of Ghost Pagoda (1928), translated by Paul B. Foster 6. Cao Yu, Thunderstorm (1934), translated by Wang Tso-liang and A. C. Barnes, revised translation by Charles Qianzhi Wu, with a translation of prologue and epilogue 7. Xia Yan, Under Shanghai Eaves (1937), translated by George Hayden 8. Lao She, Teahouse (1958), translated by Ying Ruocheng, revised by Claire Conceison 9. Tian Han, Guan Hanqing (1958), retranslated by Amy Dooling 10. Chen Yun, The Young Generation (1965), translated by Constantine Tung and Kevin A. O'Connor 11. Weng Ouhong and A Jia,, revised by the China Peking Opera Troupe, The Red Lantern (1970), translated by Brenda Austin and John B. Weinstein 12. Gao Xingjian, The Bus Stop (1983), translated by Shiao-Ling Yu 13. Sha Yexin, Jiang Qing and Her Husbands (1990), translated by Kirk A. Denton Glossary Contributors
