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Chinese theatrical costumes are synthetic art: a character modeling in Chinese dramas, and a statement in fashion design. Based on rich research results of the histories of Chinese drama and Chinese costumes, this thesis explored some of the origins of theatrical costumes, and their mechanism applied to Chinese dramas looking at Southern play(Nanxi) “Zhang-Xie Zhuangyuan” in Song dynasty.
Chinese theatrical costumes derive from multiple sources, though mainly from dramas. These dramas influence current theatrical costumes the most; also they have derived from dance and acrobatics(zaji). Throughout most dramas, costumes known as ‘daily suits’ are worn in Zaju of Song dynasty based on character types, incidences, plot and performing episodes of humorous stories. One such example is the actors in the Entertainment Bureau who dress in uniforms at the Emperor’s birthday party. Depending on their roles, actors wear costumes according their genre, position and setting. Another example is in the Southern play “Zhang-Xie Zhuangyuan”, where sheng(a young man)and dan(a young women)change sets of costumes many times as the plots develop while the other characters in this play wear a single costume according to that plot’s genre based on their sex and identity, presenting a complete love story on Zhang-Xie and the poor lady.
From the origins of theatrical costumes to Zaju and the Southern play “Zhang-Xie Zhuangyuan” in Song dynasty, costumes use materials widely used by people in every day life. As interest in dramas grew, so the plots catered to ever increasingly interested audiences: plots intensified and performing skills improved and costumes’ designs became ever more creative and flamboyant. Examples of rich theatrical costumes can be formed during the Song dynasty period. Under the influence of the Yuan and Ming dynasties, costumes increasingly elaborate and such costumes can still be seen in Peking Opera, Kunju and Taiwanese Operas.
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