庄士敦《中国戏剧》对英文世界中国戏剧评论的回应OACHSSCD

The British Sinologist R.F.Johnston's Chinese Drama is an insightful work on the history and theory of Chinese theater in the early 20th-century English-speaking world.Based on a certain degree of on-site observation and understanding of Chinese theater,including rural theater,this book engages with and critiques contemporary and earlier English-language commentaries on Chinese theater,thereby articulating its own perspective.On the value of Chinese drama,Johnston emphasizes its widespread popularity and pro-found influence across all social strata in China,asserting that it is far from being a"minor or trivial art"that can be easily dismissed.Regarding its performance style,Johnston highlights the symbolic nature of Chinese theater,suggesting that with thought and imagination,audiences can fill in the gaps within performances,thus fully understanding and enjoying them.As for its history,Johnston challenges the view that Chinese drama was introduced from abroad as late as the Yuan Dynasty.Drawing on Wang Guowei's A History of Song and Yuan Theater,Johnston argues for the deep and longstanding roots of Chinese drama.Building on this foundation,he analyzes the state of Chinese theater in the early 20th century and offers a forward-looking perspective on its future.