Performing China on the London Stage: Chinese Opera and Global Power, 1759–2008

Research output: Book/ReportBook

Abstract

This book details both the history of Chinese theatre, and British representations of Chinese theatre, on the London stage over a 250-year period. A wide range of performance case studies – from exhibitions and British Chinese opera inspired theatre, to translations of Chinese plays and visiting troupes – highlight the evolving nature of Sino-British trade, fashion, migration, the formation of diaspora, and international relations. Collectively, they outline the complex relationship between Britain and China – the rise and fall of the British Empire, and the fall and rise of China – as it was played out on the stages of London across three centuries. Drawing extensively upon archival materials and fieldwork research, the book offers new insights for intercultural British theatre in the 21st century – ‘the Asian century’.
Original languageEnglish
Place of PublicationHoundmills
PublisherPalgrave Macmillan
Number of pages263
Edition1
ISBN (Electronic)978-1-137-59786-1
ISBN (Print)978-1-137-59785-4, 978-1-349-95581-7
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Oct 2016

Keywords

  • China;
  • imperial & colonial History
  • Chinese Migration
  • Chinese modernisation
  • Chinese opera
  • xiqu
  • Chinoiserie
  • international relations
  • British Theatre
  • London
  • Diaspora
  • Interculturalism

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