ASIA6169 Chinese Traditional Theatre: Literature and Performance
| Offered By | Faculty of Asian Studies |
|---|---|
| Academic Career | Graduate Coursework |
| Course Subject | Asian Studies |
| Offered in | Second Semester, 2009 |
| Unit Value | 6 units |
| Course Description |
The colourful Chinese theatrical tradition goes back a millenium to the Mongol Dynasty (12th-13th century AD). It has produced many literary masterpieces (The Western Chamber, The Peony Pavilion), and an extraordinary stylised performance tradition that has survived to the present day (Peking Opera, Kunqu). Kunqu Theatre has recently been inscribed in the UN list of world intangible heritage sites. The basic aesthetic of Chinese Theatre is informed by the same basic ideas that underly Chinese poetry, art, calligraphy and philosophy. This is a middle level non-language course designed to introduce students across the university to the literary and aesthetic foundations of traditional Chinese lyric drama/opera. The course serves the following objectives. First, it builds on the existing strands in our programme, offering Chinese literature for non-language students (we already have Fiction, and Poetry). Second, it provides students with an insight into the working world of the Chinese opera performer, delivering a classical repertoire in a modern context. Third, it provides an introduction to the fundamentals of traditional Chinese aesthetics. (It is envisaged eventually that we may have further courses in Chinese Art, Chinese Calligraphy, and possibly Chinese Garden and Landscape Design).
Proposed course structure is as follows: First 4 weeks: Introduction to the classic literature and practice of Chinese drama, from the Yuan, Ming and Qing periods. Middle 4 weeks: Aesthetics of Chinese theatrical performance art, including movement, singing and make-up. Last 5 weeks: Readings in the literature, and further viewings of performances.
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| Learning Outcomes |
On completing this course students will have acquired a knowledge of the basic aesthetics and performance skills of traditional Chinese theatre, and of the ways in which that theatre relates to Chinese poetry and fiction on the one hand, and the symbolism of Chinese art, calligraphy and philosophy on the other. The course will be taught by Prof Minford, who translated the classic fictions Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio and The Story of the Stone (vols 4 and 5), and is an acknowledged authority on traditional Chinese literature, and by Ms Tang Yuen-ha, one of China's leading exponents of the art of kunqu theatre. |
| Indicative Assessment |
Proposed Assessment: Tutorial attendance 10%; tutorial presentation 10%; end-of-term test 35%; essay 45% |
| Areas of Interest | Asian Languages, Cultural Studies, and Drama |
| Indicative Reading List |
Course readings consist of literary and theoretical writings in translation on the history, literature and performing art of Chinese theatre, beginning from the Yuan dynasty (zaju and zhugongdiao), through the Ming and Qing (chuanqi, kunqu and jingju). |
| Other Information |
Delivery Mode On Campus |
| Academic Contact | Prof John Minford |
The information published on the Study at ANU 2009 website applies to the 2009 academic year only. All information provided on this website replaces the information contained in the Study at ANU 2008 website.
