Author(s): Li Liwei
Pages: 57-70
Year: 2013 Issue:  4
Journal: Comparative Literature in China
Keyword:  the Chinese Dramatic Club; Japanese; Study and spread of Beijng Opera;
Abstract: In the early 20th century some Japanese living in China started to show interest in writing and publishing about Beijing Opera. Several research associations dedicated to this purpose soon appeared in the Japanese emigre community. The Chinese Dramatic Club launched in Shanghai was one of the better-known such groups. Its members frequently participated in opera parties and discussion sessions,and had wide-ranging interactions with the indigenous arts world in China,especially the theatre community. In addition,the Shanghai group also had a journal called Chinese Theatre Research,which published on such topics as the artistic essence of Beijing Opera,its performing styles,its internationalism and so on. Based on extensive archival research this article is aimed at sorting out those main activities and events as well as presenting a comprehensive picture of the lives of those Japanese aficionados and scholars of Beijing Opera in Shanghai.