Economy of Identities in Traditional Chinese Theatre

The book is intended to become a useful reference for theatre people who need China knowledge. Its central questions are: how is traditional Chinese theatre (Chinese opera, i.e. xiqu) embedded in contemporary Chinese society? What identities are created through theatre? And, most importantly: how are these identities related to one another to form a complex economy of identities? An insight is offered into the traditional Chinese theatre system composed of over three hundred theatre types vying for recognition in a complex relational network. Understanding how this relationality works might also shed light on the functioning of other fields in the current socio-cultural complex of China.

Explores traditional Chinese theatre in contemporary Chinese society Discusses social-political expectations from Chinese theatre makers Provides access for international readers to the economy of identities in traditional Chinese theatre

Autorentext

Ágota RÉVÉSZ studied sinology and stage direction. She researches Chinese theatre, cultural diplomacy, narratives and media.

Inhalt

Chapter 1: Xiqu and Cultural Identity.- Chapter 2: Mobility Dynamics.- Chapter 3: Narratives.- Chapter 4: The National Essence: Jingju.- Chapter 5: The Mother of All Xiqus: Kunqu.