Drama Forum Issue 1 (Beijing and Guangzhou)

Author: Beijing Broadcasting Institute School of Film and Television Arts
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-11-19
Features: Drama is an indispensable part of human civilization and has existed in the history of all ethnic civilizations. The concept of "grand drama" encompasses a diverse range of forms and connotations. Traditional Chinese opera has a long history and is one of the three oldest theatrical cultures in the world. However, as a form of traditional Chinese theater, opera cannot fully encompass all theatrical phenomena of ancient and modern times. Drama is dynamic and self-aware. Diverse theatrical forms and languages not only exist in the history of each nation and ethnic group but also thrive in technologically advanced contemporary society. Drama has traditionally been carried by squares and theaters. In the history of world drama, primitive and authentic drama largely originated from performers using masks and materials such as puppets and shadow puppets. If mask plays, puppet plays, and shadow plays fall within the realm of drama, then films, animations, radio dramas, and television dramas, which use screens as carriers and employ film, electronic audio-visual means, can also be included in the category of drama.