This book traces the entrance of Western stage drama into China and the initial reception it received from Chinese intellectuals. Form the introduction of Western literature and dramatic concepts to China in the early twentieth century to the Chinese national theatre movement and renovation of Beijing opera, specific and social cultural conditions ushered the literature created in that environment. The central contention of this book is that the evolution of modern literary stage drama was an important aspect of the Chinese intellectual movement, transforming stage shows into messengers of social change. When two cultures collide, it can produce significant literary and cultural change. While there have been productive studies comparing the characteristics of Eastern and Western theatre, there has not yet been a study examining the social environments that brought these characteristics about.

By Teresa Chi-Ching Sun

Acknowledgments

Introduction

Part One: On Classical Drama

1) A Case Study of Ming Drama: The Tale of the Lute ( )

2) The Cultural and Social Characteristics of Chinese Drama

Part Two: On Drama, East and West

1) The Coming of Western Drama

2) The Dispute over Stage Play and Traditional Chinese Drama: Tragedy and Comedy

3) The Movement toward a National Theatre: Renovation and Survival of the Beijing Opera

4) Some Thoughts after the Show of Peony Pavilion 5) Chinese Comic Literature: Discussion of a Witty Short StoryBibliographyAbout the Author