Great Drama Forum (Issue 1)

Author: Zhou Huabin, Li Xingguo
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-11-01
Features: Drama is an indispensable part of human civilization and has existed in the history of all ethnic civilizations. Approaching drama with the concept of "grand drama" results in diverse forms and connotations. The traditional Chinese opera has a long history and is known as one of the three oldest theatrical cultures in the world. However, as a form of traditional Chinese theater, "opera" cannot encompass all theatrical phenomena of ancient and modern times. Drama is dynamic and self-aware. Diverse theatrical forms and theatrical languages not only exist in the history of every nation and ethnic group but also in the technologically advanced contemporary society. Drama has always been carried by squares and theaters. In the world of theater, 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 belong to the category 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.