A Complete History of Classical Chinese Dramatic Theory

Rongrong Sun, Weimin Yu, Zhidan Pan, Junfeng Yang

• Publisher: Paths Publishing Group
• Year: 2026
• eBook ISBN: 9781805890515
• Topic: Media & Performing Arts
• Subtopic: Literary Criticism in Drama

This book presents the first comprehensive study tracing the evolution of dramatic thought in China from its earliest ritual origins to the modern era. Drawing on a wide range of classical texts, commentaries, and critical writings, the book systematically explores the formation, composition, performance, and aesthetics of Chinese theatre across dynasties. Through meticulous examination of key theorists and seminal works, the author reconstructs the intellectual development of dramatic theory, revealing how ideas on form, language, music, emotion, and performance gradually shaped a distinctive Chinese tradition of drama. The study situates these theories within their cultural and historical contexts, offering both a chronological framework and critical interpretation that illuminate the richness and depth of China' s dramatic heritage. This volume serves as an essential reference for scholars and readers interested in classical literature, performing arts, and the history of Chinese aesthetics.

Table of contents

• Cover
• Title
• About the Author
• About the Translators
• Table of Contents
• 1 Classical Chinese Dramatic Theory: Its Form, Connotation, Aesthetic Features and Periodization
• 2 The Emergence Stage: Overview of Criticism of Performing Arts from the Pre-Qin Period to the Tang Dynasty
• 3 The Embryo Stage: Overview of Dramatic Theory in the Song Dynasty
• 4 The Maturity Stage: Overview of Dramatic Theory from the Yuan to the Early Ming Dynasties
• 5 The Development Stage: Overview of Dramatic Theory during the Jiajing and Longqing Eras of the Ming Dynasty (1522 to 1572)
• 6 The Flourishing Stage: Overview of Dramatic Theory in the Wanli Era of the Ming Dynasty (1582-1600)
• 7 The Stretching Stage: Overview of Dramatic Theory in the late Ming dynasty
• 8 The Systemic Stage: Overview of Dramatic Theory in the Early Qing Dynasty
• 9 The Focus Shift Stage: Overview of Dramatic Theory in the Mid-to-Late Qing Dynasty
• 10 The Summarizing and Innovation Stage: Overview of Dramatic Theory in Modern Times
• Conclusion
• Works Cited
• Copyright
• Back cover