From the beginning of the 20th century, subject to the impact of the West, the modern drama or stage play without singing appeared in China. For more than 100 years, modem drama has been gradually integrating into Chinese culture, taken root and become very influential. The development and prosperity of modern drama has added a new landscape for Chinese theater,which, as a whole, has become more diversified.

China is a country with multiple theatrical activities spread over its large area.

Chinese traditional opera, an integration of singing and performance, is the most common, unique and representative form of Chinese theater. Over more than 800 years, it has maintained its basic form.

In the beginning of the 20th century, subject to the impact of the West,the modern drama without singing appeared in China. The development and prosperity of modern drama has added a new landscape for Chinese theater, which, as a whole, has become more diversified.

Foreword

Prelude: the Origins of Chinese Theater

  Sacrifice and Entertainer

  The Spectacular Scene of Music and Dance

  Xinong and the Art of Singing with Speaking

Peaks Towering Magnificently: Song Xiwen and Yuan Zaju

  Southern Xiwen during the Song Dynasty

  The Prosperity ofYuan Zaju

  Guan Hanqing's Remarkable Achievement

Refinement and Elegance: Chuanqi of the Ming and Qing Dynasties and the Times of Kunqu Opera Scholars' Renovate of Xiwen

  Kunqu Opera and Exquisite Peony Pavilion

  Palace of Eternity and Peach Blossom Fan

  Li Yu and Kunqu Opera Stage Performances

Flowers in Bloom: Diversified Opera Varieties

  Spread of Yiyang Tune and Clapper Opera

  Competition between Huabu and Yabu

  From Playlet to Big Opera

  Modern Play and Stage Play

With Ups and Downs: Extending Its Global Presence

  New Stage

  Mei Lanfang--Going to the World

  Improvement to the Traditional Opera and

  "Model Opera"

  Forward-looking Chinese Theater

Appendix: Chronological Table of the Chinese Dynasties