Jingju - Beijing/Peking Opera

History, Practice, and Aesthetics

Jingju - Beijing/Peking Opera cover

Jingju - Beijing/Peking Opera

History, Practice, and Aesthetics

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Pre-order. Available 11 Dec 2025
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Description

This is an accessible introduction to jingju (Beijing/Peking opera) which presents readers with an analysis of the different components of its aesthetic form in the context of its ongoing cultural history.

It traces the history of jingju from its origin during the 1790s to its present-day status as one of the few theatrical forms to enjoy nation-wide popularity in China. In 2010, UNESCO placed it on the Representative List of the Intangible Heritage of Humanity.

This book traces jingju's history through three lenses. First, it introduces the stage
practices that shape a jingju production – including the use of music, acting style, visual components and staging, and dramatic narrative – ­and details for the reader the practitioner's experience during the developmental creative process, in rehearsals and behind the curtain. Second, it illustrates jingju's development with close analyses of case studies, and sheds light on the process of jingju's transformation into its contemporary form. Thirdly, it defines and interprets jingju aesthetics' notion of the beautiful and how this sense of beauty is communicated through stylization.

Table of Contents

List of Illustrations
List of Tables
Series Preface

Introduction
Chapter 1. Performance Practice: Music, Acting, Visual Components, Play Text, and Mounting Productions
Chapter 2. Performance History: “Huangqiang,” “Pihuang,” “Luantan,” “Guoju,” and “Jingju
Chapter 3: Performance as Legacy

Bibliography
Index

Product details

Explore Methuen Drama
Published 11 Dec 2025
Format Hardback
Edition 1st
Extent 192
ISBN 9781350174689
Imprint Methuen Drama
Illustrations 2 bw illus
Dimensions 198 x 129 mm
Series Forms of Drama
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing

About the contributors

Author

Xing Fan

Xing Fan is Associate Professor of Asian Theatre a…

Series Editor

Simon Shepherd

SIMON SHEPHERD is Professor of Theatre and Deputy…

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