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: SIMON SHEPHERD is Professor of Theatre and Deputy Principal (Academic) at the Central School of Speech and Drama, UK.
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