PRODUCTION King Lear [Lier zai ci]
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
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.
