The Chinese theater

A scholarly survey traces the evolution, genres, and performance practices of Chinese drama, blending historical overview with the author's firsthand experience of Peking theater and illustrative material. It classifies plays—historical, family and courtroom dramas, mythological and magical pieces, character comedies, intrigues, monodrama, and religious pageants—and discusses staging, dramatic structure, and poetic language. The book considers the shaping influence of Confucian moral ideals, filial piety, Taoist supernatural imagination, and satirical treatment of Buddhist clergy, while arguing that the stage reflects everyday social virtues and vices rather than exotic caricature. Critical gaps in existing scholarship and directions for further study are noted.