Liyuanxi - Chinese 'Pear Garden Theatre'

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This book offers a stimulating introduction to the Hokkien music drama known as liyuanxi (pear garden theatre), heir and current expression of one of Chinas oldest unbroken xiqu (Chinese opera) traditions. It considers the genres 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 forms 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 liyuanxis distinctive musical and narrative qualities and presents the performance arts 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), and examines the practice of director and leading actor Zeng Jingping, whose performances have focused attention on the genres expression of womens desires and ambitions, and on her colleague, playwright Wang Renjie. It argues that new scripts engage with the issues of contemporary China while respecting the genres traditions and conventions, and have led to rewritings of traditional repertoire by younger female authors. Stenbergs book skilfully demonstrates how a traditional theatre can adapt and thrive in a contemporary society, providing an indispensable introduction while whetting the appetite for the genres exhilarating live performances.

Reviews

This 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 *

Author Bio

Josh Stenberg is a lecturer in Chinese Studies at the School of Languages and Cultures in the University of Sydney, Australia. For the last fifteen years, he has worked for, on, and with xiqu (Chinese opera) companies and performers.