Description: "This book offers an engaging introduction to the Hokkien music drama known as liyuanxi ('Pear Garden Theatre'), heir and current expression of one of China's oldest unbroken xiqu ('Chinese opera') traditions. In examining the form, Josh Stenberg considers its history prior to the 20th century, reforms during the Communist era, and accounts for its prominence today. He examines the aesthetics and technique that characterize the form, considers the contribution of some of its key exponents and provides a range of case studies of various plays performed in the repertoire"--
Brief description: Josh Stenberg is a lecturer in Chinese Studies at the School of Languages and Cultures in the University of Sydney, Australia. For the last fifteen years, he has worked for, on, and with xiqu (Chinese opera) companies and performers.
Review Quotes: "This is a very important book on a unique genre of Chinese opera that, I believe, will benefit students of world theater." --Liana Chen, George Washington University, USA