Mainstream and Pioneers: On the Pros and Cons of Modern Chinese Drama

Author: Liu Jiensi
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-03-01
Features: In modern large theaters, China has produced various dramatic forms alongside its long-standing traditional opera, such as modern drama, radio drama, opera, dance drama, and film/video. In terms of influence, modern drama, radio drama, traditional opera, and film/video have taken the lead, with modern drama being particularly dominant, while opera and dance drama have had a smaller impact. The modern drama discussed in this book primarily refers to modern drama, radio drama, traditional opera, and film/video, focusing on representative traditional opera works and dramatic phenomena that have had a significant impact on the development of modern drama. Chinese modern drama has always coexisted with both mainstream and avant-garde elements. In modern artistic creation, "mainstream" and "avant-garde" are often seen as challenges in artistic expression or even as obstacles, but this view is one-sided. From the reform of traditional opera to the emergence of modern drama, from left-wing drama to the "Five Ones Project" drama, from radio drama to film/video, mainstream and avant-garde elements have grown together. This book is a collection of dramatic critiques, comprising 22 essays. It discusses the mainstream and avant-garde aspects of drama from the perspectives of modern drama, radio drama, Jiangxi opera, and film/video. Mainstream and avant-garde are not only the historical character of the development of modern Chinese drama but also the artistic and aesthetic forms of its contemporary existence. All the essays in this book are based on this premise. From Cao Yu to Guo Moruo to Lin Zhaohua, from modern drama to radio drama, from traditional opera to film/video, modern drama has always been like this. The selected essays in this book not only cover various dramatic forms but also highlight the "pros and cons" discussion. Most of the essays are titled "Achievements" and "Shortcomings," either discussing them separately or together. This approach ensures a consistent structure across the different sections (groups) of the book, demonstrating a clear system.