The Romance of Three Hamlets
Shakespeare through a Chinese Prism
1st Edition
Published on 3. June 2024
112 pages
978-1-040-03151-3 (ISBN)
Description
Through a metaphorical journey of Shakespeare in traditional Chinese theatre, using three Chinese opera productions of Hamlet as signposts, the book discusses the relationship between Shakespeare and Chinese theatrical traditions.
A brief discussion of the Yue-opera Hamlet looks back at the role of Shakespeare in the Chinese discourse of renaissance and re-evaluation of traditions since the early twentieth century. A detailed analysis of the Peking-opera Hamlet shows what is lost and what is gained in the negotiation between Shakespeare and Chinese theatrical traditions, and why. The third Hamlet is an experimental Kun-opera production, leading to a discussion of the potential for Shakespeare and Chinese theatrical traditions to join hands and reach new depths of artistic expression.
The book will attract researchers, students, and enthusiasts of Shakespeare, cross-cultural Shakespearean recreation, Chinese theatrical traditions, and comparative literature.
A brief discussion of the Yue-opera Hamlet looks back at the role of Shakespeare in the Chinese discourse of renaissance and re-evaluation of traditions since the early twentieth century. A detailed analysis of the Peking-opera Hamlet shows what is lost and what is gained in the negotiation between Shakespeare and Chinese theatrical traditions, and why. The third Hamlet is an experimental Kun-opera production, leading to a discussion of the potential for Shakespeare and Chinese theatrical traditions to join hands and reach new depths of artistic expression.
The book will attract researchers, students, and enthusiasts of Shakespeare, cross-cultural Shakespearean recreation, Chinese theatrical traditions, and comparative literature.
Reviews / Votes
"Hamlet transformed into Chinese opera is an adaptation that leaves most Western Shakespeare scholars and Shakespeare lovers more than a little mystified. Hao Liu's study opens our eyes and ears to the nature of the genre. She is an assured, thoughtful and unfailingly helpful guide to the range of responses to Hamlet that the form has generated in three strikingly different Chinese versions, making us able to understand them and enjoy them."Peter Holland, University of Notre Dame, U.S.A.
"With meticulous clarity, Hao Liu traces the layers of cultural reference, consonant and dissonant, that constitute three recent adaptations of Hamlet in three different traditions of Chinese opera. She reflects intelligently on this exemplary process of cultural exchange. I learned a lot."
Lars Engle, The University of Tulsa, U.S.A.
More details
Edition
1. Auflage
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Taylor & Francis Ltd
Target group
College/higher education
Professional and scholarly
Product notice
Reflowable
Illustrations
2 Halftones, black and white; 2 Illustrations, black and white
ISBN-13
978-1-040-03151-3 (9781040031513)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
Book
approx. 11/2025
1st Edition
Routledge
€63.00
Not yet published
Book
06/2024
1st Edition
Routledge
€193.00
Shipment within 10-20 days
Person
Hao Liu is associate professor of English literature and comparative literature at Tsinghua University. Her research interests are Shakespeare and Chinese literary traditions. Her papers on Shakespeare and Chinese drama have been published in international journals and presented at international conferences.
Content
I Introduction II Yue-Opera Hamlet and the Dual Tradition III Peking-Opera Hamlet and the Haunted Stage IV Kun-Opera Hamlet and the "I" between Tradition and the Present V Shakespeare and the Ageing Operas on the Scene
