B
THE HONGKONG TE LEGRAPH. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 1938,
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THE CHINESE DRAMA
BY
T. PAUL GREGORY
THE most ancient form of art
is said to be the drama; for the love of imitation la inherent in human nature, and conac- quently the first evidence of the developing intellect of the child is manifested by its assumption of the manner or bearing of some one whose mien has at- tracted it. As in the case of individuals so it is with nations; and therefore almost every people ancient and modern have eultivated dramatic representa- tion in some form or other.
There Ls, however, A striking difference in the form of popular drama as presented in each country,
comes to discussing generalities, the distinctions become in referring
Hongkong Hotel and when it
Garage
SHOWROOM
Stubbs Rd. Phone 27778/9,
The
Dance Records for September Hongkong Telegraph.
Swing Music 1938 Series.
B 8719-Chloe. Fox Trot
Jam Session. Fox Trot
Benny Goodman & His Orch.
B 8745-One O'Clock Jump. Fox Trot
Loch Lomond. Fox Trot
"
"
B 8746-Little White Lies. Fox Trot
Tears in My Heart. F.T... Tommy Dorsey & His
B 8747-Baby, Won't You Please Come Home. Fox Trot
I Just Couldn't Take It. Baby. Fax Trot
Lionel Hampton & His Orch,
Fox Trot. BD5368-Lovelight in the Starlight.
(Film: "Her Jungla Love")
An Old Straw Hat, Fox Trot.
(Film: "Robecca of Sunnybrook Farm")
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 1938.
CHINA AND
THE WEST-
It is unfortunate that the
to the histrioni
the same literary coupled with the essential
Sketched by Mr. F. R. Monti, Hongkong's eminent European artist.
by
of the
who
or
has been largely distinguished by shang, or "principal singer indirect way of that every
a
the sit- singer,"
or "resentative of n
actor,
public should judge the value of plexity: for, after all, China is the known as Ching-taan. Sometimes. Wearing a, mask. He goes through
Bunny Berigan & His Orch. | Article
S. MOUTRIE & CO., LTD.
YORK BUILDING '
Music
18
of
structure of
the
the
every
The
isiplayer., such others as the the siu-shang, or "chief ked and esteemed that it has been beint usually not less than $10,000,
uf
ed lucky if he can earn $80 or à 5100
month.
a
as k'ek-ten or "dramatis personne." formance of this introductory farce, names amongst Chinese theatre-goers
The Chinese drama Is further sub- the divided into two divisions according the serious play of the evening is in Hongkong are Ma Sz-isang, Sit
have ever attended a Chinese theatre Kui-wing, and many others.
nctor to
in Mandarin. The first,
MR. PEPYS in
at once more appomplishments of those two rent cultural divisions of mankind—the Occident and the Orient. In the
former,
the play in depicting feminine roles, and one be especially significant; for
means the interest wright has been an important figure world famous name may be men- this in the aesthetic life of the people; tioned in this connection, namely, Dr. audience is aroused, and the com- for from Aeschylus George Mei Lan-fang.
pany of actors conveys to the specta know is often of seemingly intermin- Bernard Shaw the aim has been one
lors its compliments, desiring for able duration lasting for many hours. acters were and
The audience of a Chinese play- Formerly, Chinese excellence
element divided into eight general classes he- them the blessings of long life, virtu-
to the foreign of theatrical performance.
In the cording to the role each ussayed to ous and clever offspring, wealth and house is, moreover,
almost ns Interesti the sage. Thus in n paan honour. First, on the stage appear observer present on lius
#13 "Eight Immortals," latter, however, the dramalist
play liself; for
here been
wil offer felicitations to the Sai- he
observe almost relegated to
comparatively or company of actors one would find the Paut-sin,
the mo-shang and stu-mo, or "prin- wor
or "Western Queen class of Chinese society, al- humble sphere, and the drama itself elpals, civil and military," the ching- Mother" because of her longevity, an though he will doubtless be astonish- singular lack of Herary polish,
ed at the large number of women In personation, the Oriental actor on-la-min, or,
of member the
may enjoy present, especially those of t'asi-t'ani, like his ancient Grecian coun
the blessing of a long life. Then come
·or official's wife" and the naat-saat, counterpart
part rogue," the yi-fa-nin, or portrayal the blessing of
the
or "Seven Sisters" or "matron" typ The best seats in aims at gravity of movement and of a virtuous person," and lustly the who express to the spectators lie the more popular theatres cost as
type. declamatory grace, rather
Haam-ch'dau or "clown." In addi- who uner than rapidity and vivacity of passion." tion, of course, ther
there were
Asons. These
followed orc
the tines by
the admission fee was twice differences
It is in China, especialls, that the dispensable taan, or "tema the in- wish that they may all have talented much as $esa, although in former
charac- Tu-ka-kwoon, "prologue between
as much. Ordinary seats, of course. Western conceptions of dramatic art of quotic characters going termed a personage who is clad in the are quite inexpensive being no more
Eastern and ters" played by boys, representations -ka-
and than 15 to prime minister, and costume of a
25 cents, are seen in all their diverse com- fa-taan, those of chaste females being
In conclusion, one might discuss "Mother
the a variety of movements expressive the East"
Chinese actor himself. There the League of Nations on its traditional influences of past ages stage, female warriors were also in of the State, and upon retiring points classes,
and the too, especially upon the Cantonese of his position as the highest officer are roughly speaking, three general inability to stop war, a function are consequently still potent for personated, and these were generally to the sun, an action on his part Those in the first named are,
first, second and third. for which it is obviously un-fors in
ctual referred to under a general title of renaissance mining the intellectual
desire that before course, the darlings of the profession, of the people.
which Indientes For ta-mo-taan,
many days are past all persons in who through their masterly skill suited. Actually, judged on the instance, in China until the time About ten
ot
or fifteen years ago, the audience may rise in the world. have won the plaudits of vost full record of its manifold the profession of acting was looked erstwhile complicated
the inauguration of the Republic, there occurred a simplication of the After this dignitary has retired from audiences. For them life is like that the League's down upon, and the actor was placed the Chinese stage, and the characters presented, one of the best known their salaries may be stated to run a popular farce is generally of the successful movie star, and Orch.chievements,
in the category of the ha-kau-lau or portrayed became limited to not being 4-laan Maat-chuc-"A-laan in excess of $100,000 a year. value is great, despite the fact "nine classes of people carrying on more than five or six
in number, Selling the Pig
next in popular favour is also the dishonourable professions," which In- that its effectiveness
the ma-shang, or "principal Alluded besides
This particular play is so well recipient of a remunerative income, professional International Police Force
physicians, singer," the ch'aau-shang, or "clown",
while his less fortunate co-profes- the diviners, the astrologers, For this latter reason physiognomists, the prostitutes, alight.
the and the inimitable taat, or "female presented to visiting floyalty, once
In 1880 at the occasion of the visit aional in the Intter category is deem- the parts,"
of H. R. H. the Prince of Wales alone, apart from the effect
torturera in offeinl employ. the Nowadays, however, in most parts (subsequently H. M. King Edward undertrappers of Chinese yamens.
The first class actors. of the which the situation in Europe and lastly the beggars,
country, the former designa- VII) to Hongkong, and again in 1000 marcover, only act in the night per- Lions have been largely abandoned
the Duke and Duchess of Con- formances, leaving the day-time pre- must have on each nation's t-
and the players regardless of the waught passed through the Cotony on sentations to those yet in the bottom titude, China's appeal for the
parts they play are simply designated their world tour. After the per- Stigma Of The Stage
per- rank of the profession. Famillar invocation against Japan of Consequently, oh account of hla
low position in the eyes 17 of the League people, the old-time Chinese Covenant, which would
un-felt little incentive in improving his the language employed, thus there presented, and this as all those who Kok-sin, Kwal Ming-yeung. Pauk
are the Fret-kek, ‰4. Cantonese doubtedly be the first step to profession; for being a member of a plays, and the King-het, or those proscribed class he did not volun- wards the imposition of sane-tarily enter it, but was apprenticed of course, are immensely popular in
presented in tions, seems doomed to negative to it at i very early age.
the South and also abroad where In fael, it treatment. Reports from Hun-custom, as it still is to a
WUS formerly the Cantonese people have emigrated.
a great it is in short, the form of
of Chinese CHATER ROAD.¦ kow, however, indicate that the extent, for young lads of impecunious dramatic art which is in certain res-
Chinese public confidently ex-
families to be presented" to the pee
peets the better known, although in master of some theatrical school or late years, the Mandarin stage under pects from this appeal results instruction. These, when their long the aegis of such consummate masters which the more cynical, and period of years of apprenticeship was of the profession as Dr. Mei Lan- perhaps less idealistic, Westener Indebted to the master; for during preciated by ever-widening circles of
completed, consequently felt more fang has become to be greatly ap |would to-day not hope for, and all this time he was both father and European and American audiences.
in the event of the matter being they also became his adopted sons. mother to them, and la many cases
1st. September-This day begins blow or two yet, and Indeed I doc shelved, the effect on Chinese The stigma attached to the stage in
the last month of summer and I am trust a typhoon or two comes to i morale may
The safe distance. for the sake of the be bad, both in China. morcover, prevalled until
mighty glad that it is so. quite recent years, but
weather indeed has not been over rainfall. In the newes sheetes Wiese dashing false hopes and in fur influence of the West, the histrionic Chinese dramatical presentations is chyrurgeon that the hospitalis bee new bowling alleys, and preter u
owing
The subject matter of most trying yet I do hear from
days doe find much mention of the ther convincing the public that art is becoming more and more - largely historical; for in a land as full and many more sick than usual. a good game, tho' I do prefer the little or nothing in the way of fession as a class has
preciated, and ns result the pro-
the Middle Kingdom, But this may come maybee from the other form where the ball is de- become ancient leas assistance can be expected from bohemian in its
there is a wealth of material which, lack of rain of which wee have too livered from the wrist and palm of general attitude the nations which purport to be towards life. The improved status of actors, can be expanded into plays but once in the whole porlod and weigh twenty-eight pounds, and to In the hands of a capable company little, and the typhoon signals holsted the hand. The biggest balls in use China's friends. Few would the netor's life has resulted in
of excellence. Usually, most Chin- that in May. And this I do not bowl across four alleys with these women appearing on the stage-a deny
elaborate recall ever to have happened before. doth, I flnd, Improve my Agure ese plays open with the present thing which twenty or twenty-five
which Is Intended struggle world sympathy lies years ago was totally unheard of in Prologue
China; for us in Shakespearian Eng- with China, but that sympathy
land ali female characters were is in the hearts of the people played by boys and young men.
fact, some of China's most successful and does not dictate the attitude actors attained fame for their skill of politicians and businessmen who control the sinews of war.
the balance. Nations will not This situation has already been: brought home to the Chinese risk more than they may gain. people on a number of occasions, In theory, the case for China, until to-day they see in America which no doubt will be ably put and Britain nations of fair to the League Assembly, will be words but little action, and, unassailable. It must be remem- though some of China's leaders bered, however, that Japan's may recognise the international most potent allies are outskiė difficulties of the situation, her the League, that America is not people are proportionately dis- a member, and that American heartened according to the Business does more trade with amount of assistance, direct or Japan thin with China and indirect, which they had expect stands to lose heavily by assist- ed. While politicians hands ing in a boycott.. It seems open
by are tied
domestic
or to question whether, should European troubles, little can Article 17 be invoked against | be expected in the way of Japan and sanctions, subge- direct assistance, either in the quently applied with any great | form of nid for China or sanc-effectiveness, China would bo tions against Japan. In any greatly benefitted. Should the event, the interferer has much unexpected occur Japan, cer- to lose and little to gain. How-tainly, will lack much of the ever regrettable it may seem, valuable assistance she is at International politics are still | présent receiving, but she will |
hath charms
Sunday Classical Concert
at Repulse Bay Hotel
Under leadership of
Geo, Pio-Ulski
Programme for Sunday, 11, Sept., 1938. 1 p.m.2.30 p.m. PROGRAMME
1. Oberon, Ouverture
2. Barcarole
3. Tales from the Vicuna Woods. Waltz
4. Dolna Voda. Fantasie
5. Andante. From Quartet
6. Sulte Ballet
7. Van Herwijen, March
For Reservations
phone 27775.
REPULSE
BAY
HOTEL
Weber. .Gruenfeld..
Strauss. .De Mauriel. .Tschaikowsky. .Popy. Pio-Ulski.
that
in
uf
to the
In
THE HONGKONG & SHANGHAI HOTELS, LTD. run on a system of profit and still have powerful allies to
loss, with the goodwill of a ni- supply her with all the major tion counting-för- but little in necessities of war.-L.B....
Historical Subject
Matter
an
HONGKONG
עות
to Yet I doubt not wee shall have a mighty my office betimes and I
GRIN AND BEAR IT
HEW HOME OF WHIFFLE DEPT
STURE
Woof teatrain Co
ELRITIV
IWAFFLE STORE UNFAIR
DEPT
TO
EMPLOYERS
#Have.patience-will you!!!.
By Lichty
see from the newes-sheetes that our dogges doe fall to biting people again there having been many cases re- ported, and I am minded to present the dogge Martin with his first muzzle. This day I Arr troubled with a small affection of the sinus and am sadly put out that the effects of my cold doe last so long. Home and early to bed.
3rd-Up very bolimes and to my office to setile my papers early as 1 must needs goe to the Hostelry for a space to meet a friend. Later at ong of the clock to Mr. Caldbeck's where I have not been these several weeks, and did find the company as usual, save that when I was there there were no Lotlles, at which I did marvel. Thereafter I did cross to the Clubbe and did speak long with Mr. W. Wilson upon fertilisers, and I am keen set to get a quantity of his
humus, which I believe will suit my soli belier than some chemieni preparations. But in two beds I know not what am to do as the Fa Wong had planted in Dahlias or ever I had me to manure them.
4th. (Lord's Day)-Much troubled carly this morning with my slour. but it amends o'er noon when I meet Mistress Diano and so back to the Garden where are my children and there we don drink
glass or two of wine, though the sand-flies were troublesome and 1 cannot
remember to have had so many before, But whether it bee due to the lack of rain or to the Refugees I know not. After nuncheon we did : rend and. fater took our dish of tea in the garden and eat there talking until: after seven of the clock.
Dined (Continued on Pape