The Study Of Guildhall Theatre

Theatres in guildhalls refer to the places which are specially used for opera performance and appreciation in guildhalls.The major subject of this paper is the guildhall theatre.This paper carries on the field investigation to the existing guildhall theaters,collects and arranges the cultural relics and literature materials related with the guildhall theater,attempts at a systematic summary and analyses of the guildhall theater using theories of Chinese theatre,religious studies,architectonics,sociology,folklore,history,and cultural anthropology.The guildhall theatre is one of the types of ancient Chinese theatre,which is an important performing place in Ming and Qing Dynasties.Its shape and structure are closely related to the performance at that time.A comprehensive investigation of it will undoubtedly play a positive role in the construction of the history of ancient Chinese theatre.This article analyzes the general situation of the guildhall theatre firstly,and summarizes the causes,development process and other characteristics of the guildhall theatre.Secondly,it summarizes the architectural layout,form and decoration of the guildhall theatre in each region.Thirdly,it analyzes the architectural objects and historical materials of the indoor guildhall theatre and the small theatre for entertainment.Finally,the article summarizes The dramatics activities of the guildhall theatre,and discusses the role of the guildhall theatre in the dissemination of Chinese opera.As an integral part of the guildhall buildings,the own characteristics of the guildhall thearte are directly affected by the guildhall.The guildhall theater is built for the needs of sacrifice and maintaining friendship.The dramatics of the guildhall theatre are used for sacrifice and entertainment.The guildhall theater was first established in the middle and late Ming Dynasty,developed to its peak in the Qing Dynasty,and declined in the Republic of China.On the whole,the guildhalls are spread all over the country by the flow of businessmen,officials and immigrants.Specifically,the guildhall theatre spread over the capital,prosperous cities,the area with convenient traffic,and populated villages and towns.The guildhall theatre is the inheritance and development of the temple theatre.It has various architectural styles and elegant decoration.The stages of guildhall theatre are mainly the Gate Dance building.And on both sides of the stage are the viewing buildings.Some guildhalls have multiple stages to meet the needs of prosperous performances.Because of the differences of the aesthetics of the guildhall members and the architectural style and topography of the region,the guildhall theatre in the northern and southern regions are different.The elegant plaques and couplets,as well as the gorgeous sculptures and paintings show the economic strength of the members of the guildhall and their good wishes.They make the guildhall theatre a representative of the decorative art of ancient Chinese theatre.The indoor guildhall theatre and the small theatre for entertainment are two special forms of guildhall theatre.Both of them consider the comfort of audience and professionalism of the theatre..The indoor guildhall theatre is equipped with a roof.Its viewing buildings are set as boxes.And its hall is equipped with tables and chairs.Its shape and structure are consistent with the Opera House,but there are still differences.The small theatre is not for sacrifice but for entertainment.Most of these small theaters are located in the concealed courtyard,face the conference-room and the viewing buildings.The number of audiences in these theaters is limited.The dramatics activities of the guildhall theatre are divided into three types: sacrificial performing,industrial performing and group performing.The acting time is not fixed.And it's very important to manage the theatres and theatrical activities.Therefore,guildhalls usually set up rules and regulations to regulate theatre rental,order of performance activities,collection of performance funds and other aspects,so as to ensure the smooth progress of performance activities.In Ming and Qing Dynasties,a large number of guildhall theatres were widely distributed,which were important carriers for the development and dissemination of Chinese opera.The guildhall theatre is a platform for the type of drama in hometown and other areas.Therefore,the guildhall theatre plays a unique and important role in the development of Chinese opera.