Within the play and beyond

Author: Huang Zonglu
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2000-01-01
Features: This little book is hard to categorize: it mostly discusses performers in a casual manner. However, the author believes that the essence of performing arts lies in practice, not in more complex or profound theories. The more you talk, the more abstract, the more likely it is to mislead people! A performer might say, "Less talk, more practice!" Acting ultimately relies on appearance—it's all about substance. Relying on boasts and nonsense won't cut it. The author's writings focus on telling stories, "using narration to replace argument," stopping at just the right point. Additionally, he values "carrying emotion in writing," where emotion is the carrier—without emotional impulse, forcing yourself to write won't produce good work. "Adding humor to writing" is his style, like seasoning. I hate pretentious moralizing and enjoy a good laugh, so I often turn tragedies into comedies. These "three approaches" blend together, forming a unique style. Of course, the author isn't like that: he has nothing but acting—how boring! Humans live in groups, as advanced emotional beings—family, friendship, and love are all essential. Only then can life be fulfilling, and performances be vivid! Writing, pursuing art, and being a person—when these three are combined, they form the living, breathing author.