The People's Bard: How China Made Shakespeare its Own (Penguin Specials)

The People's Bard: How China Made Shakespeare its Own (Penguin Specials)

Nancy Pellegrini
$9.95
Publication Date: June 1st, 2017
Publisher:
Penguin Australia
ISBN:
9780734399021
Pages:
152

Description

From the first staging of the Merchant of Venice in 1913, to experimental interpretations in contemporary theaters, Shakespeare plays have been embraced in China. Touching on mortal themes of love and loss, revenge and guilt, his works have transcended the boundaries of language and culture. This book explores the unique story of how the Bard of Avon became the People’s Bard and the universality of his literary genius.

About the Author

Originally from Long Island, Nancy Pellegrini has been covering China’s performing arts scene for over a decade. She is the stage editor/writer for Time Out Beijing and Time Out Shanghai magazines, and has also written for Long Island Woman, Gramophone, South China Morning Post, and Christian Science Monitor.

Praise for The People's Bard: How China Made Shakespeare its Own (Penguin Specials)

"In just 125 pages Nancy Pellegrini provides fascinating insight into the remarkable (and rarely explored) role of Shakespeare in China. This is not just a love letter to Shakespeare, it's a fantastic introduction to China past and present. Prose is fluid and information is plentiful but never overdone. A must read for anyone with an interest in Shakespeare, China or both." —Jemimah Steinfeld, Little Emperors and Material Girls: Youth and Sex in Modern China


"Shakespeare is arguably the world’s best-known cultural icon-with universal appeal. In China, his appeal, like everything else in China, is special—and Nancy Pellegrini guides us through all the complications of culture clash, language difference and political interferences with a sure and elegant touch. Her book, as intended, is an excellent introduction to a protean topic—and for most of us may well be all that we need to know. I strongly recommend it." —Alan Babington-Smith, President, The Royal Asiatic Society Beijing

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