Alternative Title: Lear Is Here
Source: King Lear
Group: Contemporary Legend Theatre [Dangdai chuanqi juchang]
Premiere: 2001
Place: Taipei
Venue: Novel Hall for Performing Arts [Xin wutai]
Director: Wu, Hsing-kuo
Crew: Wu, Jing-jyi (artistic consultant); Chung, Ming-der (artistic consultant); Lee, Li-heng (dramatic consultant); Wu, Hsing-kuo (artistic director); Lin, Hsiu-wei (producer); Wu, Hsing-kuo (adaptation); Yip, Tim (costume design); Hsu, Hsu-Chen (costume production); Chang, Ho-chin (set design); Wong, Tommy (lighting design); Lee, Yi-chin (music design); Li, Men (vocal music arrangement); Wu, Hsing-kuo (vocal music arrangement); Chuang, Bu-chiao (music coordinator), Chuang, Bu-chiao (percussion leader); Chuang, Bu-chiao (musician); Chen, Ching-tsung (string leader); Li, Han-chiang (musician); Yeh, Jun-ming (musician); Lin, Chiu-tsen (musician); Sun, Li-yen (musician); Li, Jing-min (musician); Chen, Pei-qian (musician); Chang, Alan (graphic design); Hsieh, Chun-te (photographer); Tsai, Te-mao (photographer); Hsu, Bin (photographer); Lee, Chun-yu (technical coordinator); Che, Ko-chien (stage manager); Ssu, Chien-hua (technical director); Huang, Tzu-yan (lighting director); Hsu, Chih-shiang (sound director); Hi-Tech Workshop (technical execution); Ko, Wesley L. (production manager); Lin, Kuan-ling (box office); Lan, Hao-chih (marketing communication); Lin, Chia-wen (marketing communication); Hsin Hsing Printing Co. (printing)
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Cast: Wu, Hsing-kuo (Lier / King Lear); Wu, Hsing-kuo (Fool); Wu, Hsing-kuo (Kente / Earl of Kent);Wu, Hsing-kuo (Lie / Goneril);Wu, Hsing-kuo (Ligan / Regan);Wu, Hsing-kuo (Liya / Cordelia);Wu, Hsing-kuo (Geluosite / Earl of Gloucester);Wu, Hsing-kuo (Aidemeng / Edmund); Wu, Hsing-kuo (Aidejia / Edgar); Wu, Hsing-kuo (Dog)
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Language: Mandarin
Genre: jingju (Beijing opera, Peking opera)
Year of Recording: 2006
Rights: Contemporary Legend Theatre
King Lear [Lier zai ci]
FILES  
Introduction; 
video (1); 
script (1); 
production background (23); 
program (2); 
photo (1); 
publicity (2); 
news (5); 
review (9); 
essay (8); 
bio (18)
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Two years after the disbanding of the Contemporary Legend Theatre, Wu Hsing-kuo was encouraged by Ariane Mnouchkine to restart with this solo piece, in which he plays 10 characters across the traditional gender and role type boundaries of jingju. He replaces Shakespeare's linear narrative with an episodic structure, incorporating his own reflections upon life and art. This refreshing and profound play has been invited to many international arts festivals.
1.
Data Type: video
Title: King Lear Performance Video
Publisher: Contemporary Legend Theatre [Dangdai chuanqi juchang]
Date: 2006/10/28
Language: Mandarin
1.
Data Type: script
Title: King Lear 2004 European Tour Script
Publisher: Contemporary Legend Theatre [Dangdai chuanqi juchang]
Date: 2004
Language: Chinese; English
Abstract: Chinese and English subtitles
1.
Data Type: production background
Title: About the Contemporary Legend Theatre
Source: King Lear Premiere Program
Place: Taipei
Publisher: Contemporary Legend Theatre [Dangdai chuanqi juchang]
Date: 2001/7
Language: Chinese
Abstract: company information
2.
Data Type: production background
Title: About the Contemporary Legend Theatre
Source: King Lear Premiere Program
Place: Taipei
Publisher: Contemporary Legend Theatre [Dangdai chuanqi juchang]
Date: 2001/7
Language: English
Abstract: company information
3.
Data Type: production background
Title: Act by Act Summary of CLT's King Lear
Source: King Lear Premiere Program
Place: Taipei
Publisher: Contemporary Legend Theatre [Dangdai chuanqi juchang]
Date: 2001/7
Language: Chinese
Abstract: description of the three scenes
4.
Data Type: production background
Title: Act by Act Summary of CLT's King Lear
Source: King Lear Premiere Program
Place: Taipei
Publisher: Contemporary Legend Theatre [Dangdai chuanqi juchang]
Date: 2001/7
Language: English
Abstract: description of the three scenes
5.
Data Type: production background
Author: Wu, Hsing-kuo
Title: Artistic Director's Notes
Source: King Lear Premiere Program
Place: Taipei
Publisher: Contemporary Legend Theatre [Dangdai chuanqi juchang]
Date: 2001/7
Language: Chinese
Abstract: Wu expresses his gratitude to the supporters of the Contemporary Legend Theatre (CLT), including friends in artistic circles, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, the CLT’s founding members and the crew of King Lear. Due to practical concerns at the troupe's regrouping phase, Wu could only manage a solo performance, but he will not give up on making large-scale productions.
6.
Data Type: production background
Title: Biographical Record of William Shakespeare
Source: King Lear Premiere Program
Place: Taipei
Publisher: Contemporary Legend Theatre [Dangdai chuanqi juchang]
Date: 2001/7
Language: English
Abstract: playwright's biography
7.
Data Type: production background
Title: Biographical Record of William Shakespeare
Source: King Lear Premiere Program
Place: Taipei
Publisher: Contemporary Legend Theatre [Dangdai chuanqi juchang]
Date: 2001/7
Language: Chinese
Abstract: playwright's biography
8.
Data Type: production background
Title: Characters in CLT's King Lear
Source: King Lear Premiere Program
Place: Taipei
Publisher: Contemporary Legend Theatre [Dangdai chuanqi juchang]
Date: 2001/7
Language: Chinese
Abstract: Hsing-kuo Wu performs ten different roles, including himself.
9.
Data Type: production background
Title: Characters in CLT's King Lear
Source: King Lear Premiere Program
Place: Taipei
Publisher: Contemporary Legend Theatre [Dangdai chuanqi juchang]
Date: 2001/7
Language: English
Abstract: Hsing-kuo Wu performs ten different roles, including himself.
10.
Data Type: production background
Title: Critiques and Comments from around the World
Source: King Lear Premiere Program
Place: Taipei
Publisher: Contemporary Legend Theatre [Dangdai chuanqi juchang]
Date: 2001/7
Language: English
Abstract: a collection of comments from around the world on the Contemporary Legend Theatre
11.
Data Type: production background
Title: Critiques and Comments from around the World
Source: King Lear Premiere Program
Place: Taipei
Publisher: Contemporary Legend Theatre [Dangdai chuanqi juchang]
Date: 2001/7
Language: Chinese
Abstract: a collection of comments from around the world on the Contemporary Legend Theatre
12.
Data Type: production background
Author: Wu, Hsing-kuo
Title: Director's Notes
Source: King Lear Premiere Program
Place: Taipei
Publisher: Contemporary Legend Theatre [Dangdai chuanqi juchang]
Date: 2001/7
Language: Chinese
Abstract: The author recounts the background of this production of King Lear―suggested by the Japanese theatre director Ninagawa Yukio and prompted by the “threat encouragement” from Ariane Mnouchkine, the artistic director of the French ensemble Théâtre du Soleil. Owing to the scarcity of resources, the CLT returned to stage with this solo piece after its disbandment, presenting this dramatic and yet realistic story in jingju.
13.
Data Type: production background
Title: Shakespeare's King Lear: A Synopsis
Source: King Lear Special Edition Program
Place: Taipei
Publisher: Contemporary Legend Theatre [Dangdai chuanqi juchang]
Date: 2006
Language: English
Abstract: synopsis of the original King Lear
14.
Data Type: production background
Title: Shakespeare's King Lear: A Synopsis
Source: King Lear Special Edition Program
Place: Taipei
Publisher: Contemporary Legend Theatre [Dangdai chuanqi juchang]
Date: 2006
Language: Chinese
Abstract: synopsis of the original King Lear
15.
Data Type: production background
Title: A Synopsis of CLT's King Lear
Source: King Lear Special Edition Program
Place: Taipei
Publisher: Contemporary Legend Theatre [Dangdai chuanqi juchang]
Date: 2006
Language: Chinese
Abstract: act by act summary
16.
Data Type: production background
Title: A Synopsis of CLT's King Lear
Source: King Lear Special Edition Program
Place: Taipei
Publisher: Contemporary Legend Theatre [Dangdai chuanqi juchang]
Date: 2006
Language: English
Abstract: act by act summary
17.
Data Type: production background
Title: Synopsis of Original William Shakespeare's King Lear
Source: King Lear Premiere Program
Place: Taipei
Publisher: Contemporary Legend Theatre [Dangdai chuanqi juchang]
Date: 2001/7
Language: English
Abstract: synopsis of the original King Lear
18.
Data Type: production background
Title: Synopsis of William Shakespeare's King Lear
Source: King Lear Premiere Program
Place: Taipei
Publisher: Contemporary Legend Theatre [Dangdai chuanqi juchang]
Date: 2001/7
Language: Chinese
Abstract: synopsis of the original King Lear
19.
Data Type: production background
Title: Worldwide Tour of the CLT's King Lear
Source: King Lear Special Edition Program
Place: Taipei
Publisher: Contemporary Legend Theatre [Dangdai chuanqi juchang]
Date: 2006
Language: English
Abstract: worldwide tours between 2000 and 2007
20.
Data Type: production background
Title: Worldwide Tour of the CLT's King Lear
Source: King Lear Special Edition Program
Place: Taipei
Publisher: Contemporary Legend Theatre [Dangdai chuanqi juchang]
Date: 2006
Language: Chinese
Abstract: worldwide tours between 2000 and 2007
21.
Data Type: production background
Title: Wu Hsing-kuo’s Performance Record
Source: King Lear Premiere Program
Place: Taipei
Publisher: Contemporary Legend Theatre [Dangdai chuanqi juchang]
Date: 2001/7
Language: Chinese
Abstract: including traditional jingju, new jingju, CLT’s repertoire, movies, television shows and dance
22.
Data Type: production background
Title: King Lear Q & A
Source: King Lear Special Edition Program
Place: Taipei
Publisher: Contemporary Legend Theatre [Dangdai chuanqi juchang]
Date: 2006
Language: English
Abstract: Wu Hsing-kuo answers questions on King Lear, including his first encounter with Shakespeare’s script, how it triggered his creativity, the process of adapting King Lear for a solo performance, the issue of generation conflicts in the play, and the differences between adapting King Lear and Macbeth.
23.
Data Type: production background
Title: King Lear Q & A
Source: King Lear Special Edition Program
Place: Taipei
Publisher: Contemporary Legend Theatre [Dangdai chuanqi juchang]
Date: 2006
Language: Chinese
Abstract: Wu Hsing-kuo answers questions on King Lear, including his first encounter with Shakespeare’s script, how it triggered his creativity, the process of adapting King Lear for a solo performance, the issue of generation conflicts in the play, and the differences between adapting King Lear and Macbeth.
1.
Data Type: program
Title: King Lear Premiere Program
Place: Taipei
Publisher: Contemporary Legend Theatre [Dangdai chuanqi juchang]
Date: 2001/7
Language: Chinese; English
Abstract: The program contains notes from the director/artistic director, bios of cast and crew, a synopsis, an act by act summary, Hsing-kuo Wu’s autobiography and company information.
2.
Data Type: program
Title: King Lear Special Edition Program
Place: Taipei
Publisher: Contemporary Legend Theatre [Dangdai chuanqi juchang]
Date: 2006
Language: Chinese; English
Abstract: This bilingual program contains an introduction to the company, a production history, worldwide tours of King Lear, photos, a bio of artistic director, a synopsis, an act-by-act summary, a Q & A on King Lear and a list of the production team.
1.
Data Type: photo
Title: King Lear Performance Photos
Publisher: Contemporary Legend Theatre [Dangdai chuanqi juchang]
Date: 2001
Abstract: 21 photos
1.
Data Type: publicity
Title: Flyer for the "20 Years of Legend: Oriental Shakespeare" Series
Publisher: Contemporary Legend Theatre [Dangdai chuanqi juchang]
Date: 2006
Abstract: The "Oriental Shakespeare" series includes The Kingdom of Desire (adapted from Macbeth), The Tempest, and King Lear.
2.
Data Type: publicity
Title: King Lear 2008 Flyer
Publisher: Contemporary Legend Theatre [Dangdai chuanqi juchang]
Date: 2008
Abstract: 2 pictures
1.
Data Type: news
Author: Wu, Taijing
Title: Taiwanese Group Performs King Lear at Edinburgh Festival
Source: Taipei Times
Place: Taipei
Date: 2011/8/11
URL: http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/lang/archives/2011/08/11/2003510426
Language: Chinese; English
Abstract: Taiwan’s Contemporary Legend Theatre (CLT) is invited to perform their classic work King Lear at the Edinburgh International Festival. Starring Wu Hsing-kuo, this solo show employs traditional jingju techniques to portray ten different characters. CLT is the only Taiwanese group invited to the 2011 festival, which focuses on Asian cultures.
2.
Data Type: news
Author: Tang, Hsiang-yi
Title: A modern knight — Wu Hsing-kuo
Source: China Post
Date: 2011/12/16
URL: http://www.chinapost.com.tw/art/theater/2011/12/16/326130/A-modern.htm
Abstract: Wu Hsing-kuo received the Insignes de Chevalier dans l'Ordre des Arts et Lettres from French authorities in Taiwan, a new Knight of the Arts and Letters award, in recognition to his major contribution in the fields of Taiwan's traditional arts.
3.
Data Type: news
Author: Public Relations Office, Council for Cultural Affairs [Wenjianhui meiti gongguan zu]
Title: King Lear Invited to the Edinburgh International Festival [Erlingyiyi Aidingbao guoji yishujie Lier zai ci shouyao yanchu]
Source: Council for Cultural Affairs (CCA) Newsletter [Wenjianhui dianzibao]
Place: Taipei
Publisher: Council for Cultural Affairs [Wenhua jianshe weiyuanhui]
Volume, Number: 134
Date: 2011/4/15
URL: http://www.moc.gov.tw/images/epaper/20110415/epaper_01_06.html
Language: Chinese
Abstract: Contemporary Legend Theatre has been invited to perform King Lear at the Edinburgh International Festival, which features Asian cultures for the first time in 2011.
4.
Data Type: news
Title: King Lear of the Contemporary Legend Theatre Premier in Cleveland, Ohio
Source: Website of the Taipei Cultural Center of Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in New York [Zhu Niuyue Taibei jingji wenhua banshichu Taibei wenhua zhongxin]
Place: New York
Date: 2013
URL: http://www.tpecc.org/?p=2631
Language: English
Abstract: The article covers the performance information of King Lear in Cleveland, descriptions of the play and its international performance history, as well as the creative ideas of the Contemporary Legend Theatre, a brief bio of Hsing-kuo Wu and an introduction of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
5.
Data Type: news
Title: King Lear of the Contemporary Legend Theatre Premieres in Cleveland, Ohio
Source: Website of the Taipei Cultural Center of Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in New York [Zhu Niuyue Taibei jingji wenhua banshichu Taibei wenhua zhongxin]
Place: New York
Date: 2013
URL: http://www.tpecc.org/?p=2631&lang=zh
Language: Chinese
Abstract: The article covers the performance information of King Lear in Cleveland, descriptions of the play and its international performance history, as well as the creative ideas of the Contemporary Legend Theatre, a brief bio of Wu Hsing-kuo and an introduction of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
1.
Data Type: review
Title: Festival Review King Lear
Source: Edinburgh Spotlight
Place: Edinburgh
Date: 2011/8
URL: http://www.edinburghspotlight.com/2011/08/festival-review-king-lear/
Language: English
Abstract: The author gives King Lear 5 stars, commending the show as visually stunning and profound, and a powerhouse production.
2.
Data Type: review
Author: Oestreich, James R.
Title: Poor King Lear, Alone but in a Crowd
Source: New York Times
Place: New York
Date: 2007/7/14
URL: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/14/arts/music/14lear.html
Language: English
Abstract: The author praises Wu Hsing-kuo's virtuosity and reads into the play's personal meanings.
3.
Data Type: review
Author: Murray, Órla
Title: Review: King Lear
Source:  Edinburgh International Festival Blog
Place: Edinburgh
Publisher: Blogger
Date: 2011/8/16
URL: http://edintfest.blogspot.com/2011/08/review-king-lear.html
Language: English
Abstract: The author praises the performance as stunningly beautiful, and marvels at Wu's capacity to enact multiple roles. For an unknowing audience, however, the performance may not engage them as well.
4.
Data Type: review
Author: Brown, Donald
Title: Still Don’t Know How He Did It: Wu Hsing-kuo’s One-Man King Lear
Source: New Haven Review
Place: New Haven
Date: 2012/6/29
URL: http://www.newhavenreview.com/index.php/2012/06/still-dont-know-how-he-did-it-wu-hsing-kuos-one-man-king-lear/
Language: English
Abstract: The author provides a description of the performance and commends it as highly theatrical and memorable.
5.
Data Type: review
Author: Billington, Michael
Title: King Lear Review
Source: The Guardian
Place: London
Date: 2011/8/14
URL: http://www.theguardian.com/culture/2011/aug/14/king-lear-review
Language: English
Abstract: The author calls Wu Hsing-kuo "the Taiwanese answer to Orson Welles" and acclaims his extraordinary virtuosic power.
6.
Data Type: review
Author: Boulanger-Mashberg, Anica
Title: King Lear Review
Source: Tasmanian Times
Date: 2009/4/4
URL: http://tasmaniantimes.com/index.php/article/king-lear-artswork-reviews
Language: English
Abstract: The author marvels at Wu's performance but wonder if this production can be called an "adaptation" as it departs significantly from Shakespeare's original.
7.
Data Type: review
Author: Kidd, Briony   
Title: King Lear, Contemporary Legend Theatre
Source: Australian Stage
Date: 2009/4/6
URL: http://www.australianstage.com.au/reviews/tendays/king-lear--contemporary-legend-theatre-2418.html
Language: English
Abstract: The review adopts a somehow patronizing tone, acknowledging the performance's theatricality but also criticizing its simplicity.
8.
Data Type: review
Author: Twite, Christine
Title: King Lear at Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh
Source: Exeunt Magazine
Place: Edinburgh
Date: 2011/8
URL: http://exeuntmagazine.com/reviews/king-lear-2/
Language: English
Abstract: The author commends the performance as dazzling but regrets that it demands a knowing audience.
9.
Data Type: review
Author: Hoyle, Martin
Title: The Tempest, King’s Theatre/King Lear, Royal Lyceum, Edinburgh
Source: Financial Times
Date: 2011/8/15
URL: http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/2/3d7df9ee-c726-11e0-a9ef-00144feabdc0.html#axzz3TTH9EEW2
Language: English
Abstract: Reviewing Shakespearean adaptations at the Edinburgh International Festival, the author gives both a Korean production of The Tempest and Wu Hsing-kuo's King Lear 4 stars. Wu's ability to enact multiple roles is especially commended.
1.
Data Type: essay
Author: Lee, Li-heng
Title: The Contemporary Legend Theatre and Shakespeare [Dangdai yu Shashibiya]
Source: King Lear Premiere Program
Place: Taipei
Publisher: Contemporary Legend Theatre [Dangdai chuanqi juchang]
Date: 2001/7
Language: Chinese
Abstract: The Contemporary Legend Theatre has found an international stage for jingju via combining traditional Chinese opera and modern theatre in its Shakespearean adaptations. Wu Hsing-kuo utilizes jingju's "role types" to portray different characters in this solo performance.
2.
Data Type: essay
Author: Cheng, Chieh-wen
Title: Desired Modernity and Syncretism in Performances of Contemporary Legend Theatre, 1986-2006 (MA Thesis)
Source: National Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations in Taiwan [Taiwan boshuoshi lunwen zhishi jiazhi xitong]
Place: Taipei
Publisher: National Taiwan University [Guoli Taiwan daxue]
Date: 2008/1
URL: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/cgi-bin/gs32/gsweb.cgi?o=dnclcdr&s=id=%22096NTU05510006%22.&searchmode=basic
Language: Chinese
Abstract: The author analyzes the Contemporary Legend Theatre’s productions between 1986 and 2006. Among these productions are four Shakespearean adaptions: The Kingdom of Desire (Macbeth), War and Eternity (Hamlet), King Lear and The Tempest.
3.
Data Type: essay
Title: Hsing-kuo Wu's Autobiography
Source: King Lear Premiere Program
Place: Taipei
Publisher: Contemporary Legend Theatre [Dangdai chuanqi juchang]
Date: 2001/7
Language: Chinese
Abstract: Hsing-kuo Wu lost his father in infanthood and parted with his mother at 11 to enter Fu Hsing Dramatic Arts Academy, where he 8 years of strict jingju training. He started studying under Zhou Zheng-rong at 27, but they broke up due to ideological conflicts. Wu feels like his father-mentor's murderer, but claims that Zhou's love for jingju will be carried on.
4.
Data Type: essay
Author: Wu, Yue-lin
Title: Innovation and Return: The Contemporary Legend Theatre Revisited with King Lear and Waiting for Godot [Xinchuang yu huigui cong Lier zai ci yu Dengdai guotuo zailun dangdai chuanqi juchang]
Source: The Subjectivity Swung Between Tradition and Innovation: A Restudy of Contemporary Legend Theater, 1986-2011
Place: Chiayi
Publisher: National Chung Cheng University [Guoli Zhongzheng daxue]
Date: 2012/8
Pages: 155-219
URL: http://handle.ncl.edu.tw/11296/ndltd/45768755660085971176
Language: Chinese
Abstract: The author analyzes how Wu Hsing-kuo’s personal life is mirrored in his adaptation of King Lear, in which he performs a self-talk. Also examined are the deconstruction of the original play and the actor’s acting skills, followed by a discussion of the adaptation’s problems in terms of the Contemporary Legend Theatre’s objectives as well as traditional Chinese theater.
5.
Data Type: essay
Author: Hilton, Isabel
Title: Occidentalism
Source: Prospect　Magazine
Date: 2011/7/20
URL: http://www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/arts-and-books/chinese-adaptations-western-classics-shakespeare-pinter-ibsen-edinburgh-international-festival
Language: English
Abstract: The author surveys the history of Shakespeare in China and describes the ecology of China's modern theatre, and comments on the Asian productions presented in the Edinburgh International Festival.
6.
Data Type: essay
Author: Hou, Wen-Shan
Title: The Research of Intercultural Theatre in Adaptation King Lear (MA Thesis)
Place: Tainan
Publisher: National Cheng Kung University [Guoli chenggong daxue]
Date: 2004
URL: http://etds.lib.ncku.edu.tw/etdservice/view_metadata?etdun=U0026-0807201411304100
Language: Chinese
Abstract: This thesis uses the theory and practice of “Intercultural Theatre” from West to Taiwan, and takes the newly-adapted Beijing Opera King Lear for example, which is adapted from Shakespeare’s King Lear, to compare two different styles of theater. The first chapter begins with the development of Western and Eastern intercultural theatre; the second chapter analyzes the background, plots, characters, themes of Shakespeare’s King Lear; the third chapter talks about Wu Hsing-kuo’s life course and how it related to Contemporary Legend Theater, which inspired this play. After presenting the new look of the adaptation, it follows the analysis of the transformations from the original themes. The stage performance and art design which combined with the elements of Western and Chinese are also discussed. The fourth chapter shows the differences between Western and Eastern tragedies, and then points out the reason why Beijing Opera King Lear can be a new creation under the Eastern course. In conclusion, despite the problem when making the innovations of traditional Beijing Opera, this play not only displays the aesthetic value but also establishes some standards for intercultural adaptation.
7.
Data Type: essay
Author: Huang, Alexander C. Y.
Title: Small-Time Shakespeare: New Faces of Twenty-First Century Chinese Performance
Source: Chung Wai Literary Quarterly
Place: Taipei
Volume, Number: 34.12
Date: 2006/5
Pages: 109-123
URL: http://alexahuang.org/Publications/Huang-Chungwai.pdf
Language: Chinese
Abstract: Michael Bristol coined the term "big-time Shakespeare" to describe institutional appropriation of Shakespearean values. In twenty-first century Asia, Shakespearean performance is inflected by not only political agendas but also highly personal ones; hence the emergence of "mall-time Shakespeare." Wu Hsing-kuo, a veteran jingju actor and director based in Taiwan, recently staged his third jingju adaptation of Shakespeare. Titled Lear Is Here, this solo performance mobilizes (auto)biographical differences and connections between the actor and his characters to reconcile personal identity crises and to expand the representational practices of jingju.
8.
Data Type: essay
Author: Lei, Bi-qi Beatrice
Title: Vision and Revision of Filial Piety: Analogues and Adaptations of King Lear in Chinese Opera
Source: Journal of Theater Studies [Xiju yanjiu]
Place: Taipei
Date: 2008/1
Pages: 253-282
URL: http://ejournal.press.ntu.edu.tw/record.php?Access_Num=347011&DataId=NTUJD00006044
Language: English
Abstract: King Qi's Dream by the Shanghai Beijing Opera Troupe and Lear Is Here by the Contemporary Legend Theatre are both adaptations of Shakespeare's tragedy King Lear, but their treatment of unfiliality diverges. Filial piety is one of the core values of Confucianism. Traditional Chinese theatre has a strong moralizing tendency and many of its plays preach filial devotion. Transgression against filial piety is considered a fundamental sin in Confucian culture, and it demands sensitive handling when publically staged. Analyzing three plays from traditional theatre's repertoire—The Clear Breeze Pavilion (also called The Retaliation by Heavenly Thunder), The Story of the Wall, and Birthday Greeting by Five Daughters—I identify four techniques used to mitigate the shock of unfilial children: (A) providential retaliation (B) comedy and farce (C) scapegoating, and (D) the "grand reunion." While hewing to King Lear's storyline, King Qi's Dream uses comparable tactics to transmute Shakespeare's tragedy into a didactic play of Chinese opera. Conversely, Lear Is Here employs multiple perspectives to recast the notions of filial piety, loyalty, and justice. In doing so, it challenges ethical and aesthetic traditions alike.
1.
Data Type: bio
Title: About Chang Ho-chin
Source: King Lear Premiere Program
Place: Taipei
Publisher: Contemporary Legend Theatre [Dangdai chuanqi juchang]
Date: 2001/7
Language: Chinese
Abstract: bio of set designer
2.
Data Type: bio
Title: About Che Ko-chien
Source: King Lear Premiere Program
Place: Taipei
Publisher: Contemporary Legend Theatre [Dangdai chuanqi juchang]
Date: 2001/7
Language: Chinese
Abstract: bio of stage manager
3.
Data Type: bio
Title: About Chen Ching-tsung
Source: King Lear Premiere Program
Place: Taipei
Publisher: Contemporary Legend Theatre [Dangdai chuanqi juchang]
Date: 2001/7
Language: Chinese
Abstract: musician bio
4.
Data Type: bio
Title: About Chuang Bu-chiao
Source: King Lear Premiere Program
Place: Taipei
Publisher: Contemporary Legend Theatre [Dangdai chuanqi juchang]
Date: 2001/7
Language: Chinese
Abstract: bio of music coordinator and percussion leader
5.
Data Type: bio
Title: About Hsu Hsu-chen
Source: King Lear Premiere Program
Place: Taipei
Publisher: Contemporary Legend Theatre [Dangdai chuanqi juchang]
Date: 2001/7
Language: Chinese
Abstract: bio of costume constructionist
6.
Data Type: bio
Title: About Lee Chun-yu
Source: King Lear Premiere Program
Place: Taipei
Publisher: Contemporary Legend Theatre [Dangdai chuanqi juchang]
Date: 2001/7
Language: Chinese
Abstract: bio of technical coordinator
7.
Data Type: bio
Title: About Lee Yi-chin
Source: King Lear Premiere Program
Place: Taipei
Publisher: Contemporary Legend Theatre [Dangdai chuanqi juchang]
Date: 2001/7
Language: Chinese
Abstract: bio of music designer
8.
Data Type: bio
Title: About Li Han-chiang
Source: King Lear Premiere Program
Place: Taipei
Publisher: Contemporary Legend Theatre [Dangdai chuanqi juchang]
Date: 2001/7
Language: Chinese
Abstract: musician bio
9.
Data Type: bio
Title: About Li Men
Source: King Lear Premiere Program
Place: Taipei
Publisher: Contemporary Legend Theatre [Dangdai chuanqi juchang]
Date: 2001/7
Language: Chinese
Abstract: bio of vocal music arranger
10.
Data Type: bio
Title: About Lin Chiu-tsen
Source: King Lear Premiere Program
Place: Taipei
Publisher: Contemporary Legend Theatre [Dangdai chuanqi juchang]
Date: 2001/7
Language: Chinese
Abstract: musician bio
11.
Data Type: bio
Title: About Lin Hsiu-wei
Source: King Lear Premiere Program
Place: Taipei
Publisher: Contemporary Legend Theatre [Dangdai chuanqi juchang]
Date: 2001/7
Language: Chinese
Abstract: bio of producer
12.
Data Type: bio
Title: About Lin Hsiu-wei
Source: King Lear Premiere Program
Place: Taipei
Publisher: Contemporary Legend Theatre [Dangdai chuanqi juchang]
Date: 2001/7
Language: English
Abstract: bio of producer
13.
Data Type: bio
Title: About Tim Yip
Source: King Lear Premiere Program
Place: Taipei
Publisher: Contemporary Legend Theatre [Dangdai chuanqi juchang]
Date: 2001/7
Language: Chinese
Abstract: bio of costume designer
14.
Data Type: bio
Title: About Tommy Wong
Source: King Lear Premiere Program
Place: Taipei
Publisher: Contemporary Legend Theatre [Dangdai chuanqi juchang]
Date: 2001/7
Language: Chinese
Abstract: bio of lighting designer
15.
Data Type: bio
Title: About Wesley L. Ko
Source: King Lear Premiere Program
Place: Taipei
Publisher: Contemporary Legend Theatre [Dangdai chuanqi juchang]
Date: 2001/7
Language: Chinese
Abstract: bio of production manager/executive producer
16.
Data Type: bio
Title: About Wu Hsing-kuo
Source: King Lear Premiere Program
Place: Taipei
Publisher: Contemporary Legend Theatre [Dangdai chuanqi juchang]
Date: 2001/7
Language: Chinese
Abstract: bio of artistic director
17.
Data Type: bio
Title: About Wu Hsing-kuo
Source: King Lear Premiere Program
Place: Taipei
Publisher: Contemporary Legend Theatre [Dangdai chuanqi juchang]
Date: 2001/7
Language: English
Abstract: bio of artistic director
18.
Data Type: bio
Title: About Yeh Jun-ming
Source: King Lear Premiere Program
Place: Taipei
Publisher: Contemporary Legend Theatre [Dangdai chuanqi juchang]
Date: 2001/7
Language: Chinese
Abstract: musician bio