Stories of Chinese Classic Plays
Introduction
The Romance of The Western Chamber
Since the appearance of this play The Romance of the Western Chamber in the thirteenth century, it
has enjoyed unparalleled popularity. The play has given rise to innumerable
sequels, parodies, and rewritings; it has influenced countless later plays,
short stories, and novels and has played a crucial role in the development of
drama criticism. The theme of the drama is an attack on feudal mores,
supporting the longing of young people in those days for freedom of marriage,
although it follows the timeworn pattern of a gifted scholar and a beautiful
lady falling in love at first sight. This book, with plain words, intends to
help foreign readers understand the story and appreciate classic Chinese opera.
Peach Blossom Fan
The Peach Blossom Fan
is a great masterpiece of Kun opera and has been a favorite of Chinese
audiences for more than300 years, it takes the love story between the Revival
Society poet Hou Fanyu and
the beautiful river courtesan Li Xiangjun as its
basis; but as a historical epic, it reflects the brief splendor and fall of the
short-lived Southern Ming dynasty. This book, with plain words, intends to help
foreign readers understand the story and appreciate classic Chinese opera.
The Peony Pavilion
The Peony Pavilion
is one of Tang's "Four Dreams" and has traditionally been performed
as a Kun opera. The opera tells a romantic love story of Du
Liniang and Liu Mengmei,
with its focuses on love, beauty, relationship, and marriage. This passionate
story has always been considered a Chinese national treasure, and continues to
resonate with audience everywhere, even in this modern day and age. This book,
with plain words, intends to help foreign readers understand the story and
appreciate classic Chinese opera.
The
The Palace of Eternal
Youth is one of the most important classic repertory pieces of Knn Opera. It's about the tragic love story of Tang Emperor
Li Longji and his imperial concubine Yang Yuhuan, one of the most inspiring beauties in Chinese
history. Their legend conveys the universal value that true love will transcend
the boundaries of time and overcome all. With plain words, this book intends to
help readers understand the story and appreciate classic Chinese opera.