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An Introduction to the Chinese Theatre
92 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1958
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May 27, 2016
This book should more accurately be called “An Introduction to Traditional Peking/Beijing Opera.” It provides an introduction to a specific genre of Chinese theatre.
Peking Opera is a multi-media art form featuring spoken verse, songs, dance, music, acrobats, etc. Calling it opera is probably more accurate. It is more like opera than what we would know as drama.
The book is interesting for Scott’s vehement denunciation of anything straying from the traditional form. This is interesting because it’s not traditional as in millennia old, the form was created by combining elements of regional dramas late in the 18th century. Yet Scott sniffs arrogantly at any variation from this tradition, any attempt to modernize it and any less-than-expert acting, though this started as a hybrid form.
Peking Opera is a very formal, stylized form with a rigid set of motions/gestures the actors are to use and a limited number of melodies shared by all plays. Using a sparse stage and beautiful costumes, the operas typically re-tell folk tales or scenes from famous novels. Despite the seemingly restricted form, I'm sure the productions are very beautiful and moving. The acrobats, which I watched on YouTube, are amazing.
Scott is obviously passionate about Peking Opera, but only so much can be gleaned about something without seeing it. If you want to know more about Peking Opera, this is a good introduction. But otherwise, this is not for light reading.
Peking Opera is a multi-media art form featuring spoken verse, songs, dance, music, acrobats, etc. Calling it opera is probably more accurate. It is more like opera than what we would know as drama.
The book is interesting for Scott’s vehement denunciation of anything straying from the traditional form. This is interesting because it’s not traditional as in millennia old, the form was created by combining elements of regional dramas late in the 18th century. Yet Scott sniffs arrogantly at any variation from this tradition, any attempt to modernize it and any less-than-expert acting, though this started as a hybrid form.
Peking Opera is a very formal, stylized form with a rigid set of motions/gestures the actors are to use and a limited number of melodies shared by all plays. Using a sparse stage and beautiful costumes, the operas typically re-tell folk tales or scenes from famous novels. Despite the seemingly restricted form, I'm sure the productions are very beautiful and moving. The acrobats, which I watched on YouTube, are amazing.
Scott is obviously passionate about Peking Opera, but only so much can be gleaned about something without seeing it. If you want to know more about Peking Opera, this is a good introduction. But otherwise, this is not for light reading.
Displaying 1 of 1 review