Discussion Of Oliver Twist,as A Chinese Musical Play,in Small Theatre And Its Characterization

At the moment of the 200th anniversary of Charles Dickens’ birth,the musical drama version in Chinese of Oliver Twist was performed in Shanghai on July 5th 2012 with the collaboration of Shanghai Dramatic Arts Centre and TNT Theatre Britain.Later,this version was successively staged several times in Shanghai,like May 29th to June 9th 2013,and April 1st to 19th 2015.Paul Stebblings,the director of musical drama Oliver Twist,once said,"Dickens’ story of Oliver Twist is really suitable for staging,as it is full of theatricality and mixed emotions." From the situation of its reception,Steblings’s words are verified.This drama is well received by Chinese audiences.It may also present the story’s vitality.As I once performed as Nancy and the Naughty in Shanghai Dramatic Arts Centre,I’m always curious that how the drama Oliver Twist can be as dramatic as the novel by Dickens 200 years ago and how can it explore the inner feeling of modern people.This article will be mainly involved in three aspects related to Oliver Twist,the drama,the theatrical and comic elements of the libretto,the theatrical elements in music,and how can it as aforementioned be applied into performance.As I mentioned before,as an actor who staged as Nancy and the Naughty,I will focus on these two characters.