Drama kings : players and publics in the re-creation of Peking opera, 1870-1937 / Joshua Goldstein.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Goldstein, Joshua, 1965-

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Mei, Lanfang, 1894-1961.

Mei, Lanfang.

Theater--China--Beijing--History.

Theater.

Operas, Chinese--China--Beijing--History.

Operas, Chinese.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (385 p.)

Edition:

1st ed.

Place of Publication:

Berkeley : University of California Press, c2007.

Language Note:

English

Summary:

In this colorful and detailed history, Joshua Goldstein describes the formation of the Peking opera in late Qing and its subsequent rise and re-creation as the epitome of the Chinese national culture in Republican era China. Providing a fascinating look into the lives of some of the opera's key actors, he explores their methods for earning a living; their status in an ever-changing society; the methods by which theaters functioned; the nature and content of performances; audience make-up; and the larger relationship between Peking opera and Chinese nationalism. Propelled by a synergy of the commercial and the political patronage from the Qing court in Beijing to modern theaters in Shanghai and Tianjin, Peking opera rose to national prominence. The genre's star actors, particularly male cross-dressing performers led by the exquisite Mei Lanfang and the "Four Great Female Impersonators" became media celebrities, models of modern fashion and world travel. Ironically, as it became increasingly entrenched in modern commercial networks, Peking opera was increasingly framed in post-May fourth discourses as profoundly traditional. Drama Kings demonstrates that the process of reforming and marketing Peking opera as a national genre was integrally involved with process of colonial modernity, shifting gender roles, the rise of capitalist visual culture, and new technologies of public discipline that became increasingly prevalent in urban China in the Republican era.

Contents:

Frontmatter

Contents

Illustrations

Acknowledgments

Introduction

1. Late Qing Institutions of Peking Opera

2. From Teahouse to Playhouse

3. The Experimental Stage, 1895-1920

4. May Fourth Realism and Qi Rushan's Theory of National Drama

5. Landscape and Figure, Nation and Character

6. The Limits of Reform

7. The Gendering of National Culture, Or, The Only Good Woman is a Man

8. Nationalization through Iconification

Epilogue

Notes

Bibliography

Index

Notes:

Description based upon print version of record.

Includes bibliographical references (p. 335-353) and index.

ISBN:

9786612359033

9781282359031

1282359037

9780520932791

052093279X

OCLC:

609849930