Peony Pavilion

Author: Ming Tang Xianzu
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-07-01
Features: ▼Complete Content ▼Sandalwood Aroma ▼Compact and Portable ▼Original Illustrations ▼Easy to Carry——Unlike the creative landscape of the Yuan Dynasty's theatrical scene, where various playwrights stood side by side with distinct styles, the Ming Dynasty's drama presented a singular peak with surrounding mountains. Tang Xianzu, as the most influential playwright of the Ming Dynasty, reached the pinnacle of contemporary theatrical creation with his masterpiece "The Four Dreams of Linchuan." Some scholars, both Chinese and foreign, have drawn parallels between Tang Xianzu and Shakespeare, believing that these two theatrical giants made outstanding contributions to the world in the late 16th and early 17th centuries, leaving a legacy that has benefited humanity.——"The Four Dreams of Linchuan" refers to "The Peony Pavilion" (also known as "The Return of the Soul"), "The Story of Handan," "The Story of Nanke," and "The Purple Hairpin," all of which unfold their plots through divine journeys in dreams. Because the author was born in Linchuan, Jiangxi (now Fuzhou City, Jiangxi Province), these four plays are collectively known as "The Four Dreams of Linchuan." Tang Xianzu once said, "Four dreams in a lifetime, the most fulfilling is 'The Peony.'".....