Shakespeare and East Asia

Shakespeare and East Asia explores post-1950s East Asian cinemas and theatres, highlighting Japanese formalistic innovations, reparative adaptations, gender politics, multilingual works, and diasporic productions. These adaptations break new ground in sound and spectacle, serve as a vehicle for artistic and political remediation, provide a forum for diasporic artists and audiences, and reshape debates about the relationship between East Asia and Europe.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 26 January 2021
Publisher: Oxford University Press

Shakespeare and East Asia explores the fascinating world of Asian-themed performances and adaptations, highlighting four distinct themes that set post-1950s East Asian cinemas and theatres apart from their global counterparts. Firstly, it delves into Japanese formalistic innovations in sound and spectacle, showcasing the unique artistic approaches taken by filmmakers in East Asia. These innovations have pushed the boundaries of visual and auditory storytelling, creating immersive experiences for audiences. Secondly, the book explores reparative adaptations from China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong, which draw upon classical Chinese literature and folklore to address social, cultural, and political issues. These adaptations serve as a means of healing and reconciliation, offering a fresh perspective on historical events and cultural heritage. Thirdly, it examines the politics of gender and reception of films and touring productions in South Korea and the UK, shedding light on the ways in which gender roles and stereotypes are portrayed and challenged in these contexts. The book explores the complex dynamics between filmmakers, audiences, and cultural institutions, highlighting the impact of these performances on societal attitudes and beliefs. Lastly, Shakespeare and East Asia explores multilingual, diasporic works in Singapore and the UK, which reflect the experiences of immigrants and their descendants living in these regions. These works often blend multiple languages and cultural traditions, creating a rich tapestry of narratives that reflect the complexities of diasporic identity. The book explores the themes of hybridity, cultural exchange, and the search for belonging in a globalized world. By bringing film and theatre studies together, Shakespeare and East Asia offers a comprehensive examination of the two major genres in a comparative context, revealing deep structural and narratological connections among Asian and Anglophone performances. These adaptations are the result of metacinematic and metatheatrical operations, where genres clash, hybridize, and experiment with the fusion of film and theatre features. Through their international circulation, these adaptations are reshaping debates about the relationship between East Asia and Europe, challenging preconceived notions and fostering a deeper understanding of the diverse cultural tapestry of the region. In conclusion, Shakespeare and East Asia is a groundbreaking work that provides a wealth of insights into the world of Asian-themed performances and adaptations. It offers a comprehensive exploration of the unique themes that distinguish post-1950s East Asian cinemas and theatres, shedding light on the artistic, political, and cultural dimensions of these performances. By bridging the gap between film and theatre studies, the book provides a valuable contribution to our understanding of global cinema and the complex interplay between different cultures and artistic traditions.

Weight: 322g
Dimension: 135 x 204 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780198703570