Ashley Thorpe 
Performing China on the London Stage 
Chinese Opera and Global Power, 1759–2008

This book details the history of Chinese theatre, and British representations of Chinese theatre, on the London stage over a 250-year period.  A wide range of performance case studies – from exhibitions and British Chinese opera inspired theatre, to translations of Chinese plays and visiting troupes  – highlight the evolving nature of Sino-British trade, fashion, migration, the formation of diaspora, and international relations. Collectively, they outline the complex relationship between Britain and China – the rise and fall of the British Empire, and the fall and rise of China – as it was played out on the stages of London across three centuries. Drawing extensively upon archival materials and fieldwork research, the book offers new insights for intercultural British theatre in the 21
st century – ‘the Asian century’.

Table of Content

Introduction.- Chapter 1. Chinese drama in the European Imagination before 1736.- Chapter 2. ‘Confucius’ morals to Britannia’s ears’.- Chapter 3. From page to stage.- Chapter 4. Fashion, chinoiserie and modernity in T
he Circle of Chalk, 1929.- Chapter 5. Seeking subalterneity in S.I. Hsiung’s
Lady Precious Stream, 1934.- Chapter 6. ‘A traditional play in the traditional manner’.- Chapter 7. Chinese opera in the diaspora from 1949.- Chapter 8. Opening the stage door.- Chapter 9. Postmodern politics.- Conclusion.

About the author

Ashley Thorpe is Senior Lecturer in the Department of Drama & Theatre at Royal Holloway, University of London, UK. His first book,
The Role of the Clown (‘Chou’)
in Traditional Chinese Drama was published in 2007, and he has contributed to numerous journals, including
Contemporary Theatre Review,
Theatre Research International and
Asian Theatre Journal.