History of Chinese Performance Spaces

Inbunden, Engelska, 2026

3 470 kr

Kommande

Beskrivning

This book traces the history of spaces used for Chinese opera performances (xiqu), from early ritual grounds and temple stages to guild halls, commercial theatres, court playhouses, and modern urban venues. It shows how xiqu was profoundly shaped by the environments in which it was performed.Based on extensive fieldwork, archaeological materials, inscriptions, and historical records, the book explores how these spaces were constructed, utilised and managed, and their links to religion, local society, commerce, architecture, and state power. It covers developments from early China through to the twentieth century. The narrative highlights how these spaces influenced the styles, practices, and growth of xiqu, with a special focus on significant surviving stages, particularly in Shanxi.Written for scholars and students of Chinese theatre, art, architecture, and cultural history, this book also appeals to librarians, curators, and general readers seeking an engaging and accessible account of China’s rich theatrical heritage.

Produktinformation

Utgivningsdatum:2026-09-29
Mått:156 x 234 x undefined mm
Vikt:453 g
Format:Inbunden
Språk:Engelska
Serie:China Perspectives
Antal sidor:546
Förlag:Taylor & Francis Ltd
ISBN:9781032665689

Utforska kategorier

Teater inom Kultur
Referensverk och tvärvetenskap inom Samhälle och politik

Mer om författaren

Che Wenming is a professor at Shanxi Normal University, China. He is a three-time winner of the Ministry of Education’s Outstanding Achievement Awards in Scientific Research (Humanities and Social Sciences) for Higher Education Institutions. His research focuses on opera relics, the history of Chinese opera, and theatre history.

Recensioner i media

“This book reflects Wenming Che’s sustained scholarly dedication to historical inquiry in Chinese theatre architecture. Combining archaeological sensitivity with historical reach, this first English-language, book-length study of Chinese performance spaces and theatre structures makes a distinguished and timely contribution to the field.”Xiaohuan Zhao, Professor of Sinology, University of Sydney

Innehållsförteckning

1. Introduction 2. Performance Spaces from the Neolithic Age to the Early Tenth Century 3. Theatres in the Song, Jurchen Jin, and Yuan Dynasties (960–1368) 4. Theatres in the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644) 5. The Golden Age for Theatres in the Qing Dynasty (1644–1912): Part I 6. The Golden Age for Theatres in the Qing Dynasty (1644–1912): Part II 7. Operation of Traditional Theatres 8. New Theatres after the Late 19th Century