Peking opera / Colin Mackerras.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Mackerras, Colin.

Series:

Images of Asia

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Operas, Chinese--History and criticism.

Operas, Chinese.

Physical Description:

viii, 72 pages : illustrations (some color) ; 20 cm.

Place of Publication:

Hong Kong ; New York : Oxford University Press, 1997.

Summary:

Born in the grandeur of the Qing dynasty, Peking Opera is known the world over for its lively music, colourful costumes, and thrilling displays of acrobatic prowess. Although reflective of the many changes that have occurred in Chinese society, Peking Opera today retains the drama and action that have charmed generations of audiences.

Peking Opera's success rests on a fine integration of performance, plotting, and music. This illustrated introduction traces the developments of the genre from its roots in Chinese folk and high-art dramas to its situation in the present day. It features explanations of the opera's common character types, short descriptions of selected pieces, and discussions of the common stage settings and music that support the performance art.

Whether read by an experienced observer or by a person seeing Peking Opera for the first time, this guide will help to bring greater understanding to performances of this uniquely Chinese art form.

Contents:

1 The History 1

2 What Are Peking Operas About? 21

3 The Performance Arts 38

4 How Is the Peking Opera Doing Nowadays? 57.

Notes:

Map of China on endpapers.

Includes bibliographical references (page 70) and index.

ISBN:

0195877292

OCLC:

36461676