| “The Iron Flag Array” is a Chinese drama produced by Imperial Court of the Ding Dynasty.Based on the literature and handed-down drama scripts and the archive records,this paper studies aspects of The Iron Flag Array.The paper is divided into five chapters.The first chapter,through the review of the academic research on dramas of the Qing Dynasty,determines the research target: The Iron Flag Array.This chapter develops from three aspects: the discovery and arrangement of the historical materials of dramas of the Qing Dynasty,the focus and record of dramas in the Qing Dynasty and the investigation and exploration in of the script of that era.It tries to understand the role of the iron flag array played closer depiction of inner court drama.The second chapter discusses the background,time,script format and the title meaning of the drama.The transition of focus from traditional social system to personal entertainment reached its climax in the Qing Dynasty.The iron flag array and a variety of similar dramas have been produced to satiate the recreational purposes of the public.The compilation of the script was also a reflection of traditional Chinese ethics.The third chapter clarifies the literature from the handed-down and the adaptation of scripts.Systematically rearrangement is made with 6 editions of the overall scripts,two musical sheets,one Chuanguan,five script outlines,one Jiaoben to determine their using year.Comparison of the similarities and differences between Kunming’s and Luantan’s versions,especially the difference in the number of people in the songs and plays,were made.The fourth chapter,sorts out the performance of "The Iron Flag Array" in the three aspects of performance records,stage scheduling,and action types.On the basis of correcting the mistakes recorded in the "Clearing and Filing Archives" and "Qing Shengping Department" on the performance of the The Iron Flag Array,supplements were made according to Shengping Division’s Archive Records.At present,performances were given six times,among which four happened in Daoguang Emperor’s Reign(1821-1850)and one in Xianfeng Emperor’s Reign(1851-1861)and one in Guangxu Emperor’s Reign(1875-1908).The fifth chapter discusses its relationship with Zhao Dai Xiao Shao,another drama produced by Imperial Court of the Ding Dynasty,a depiction of the legends of General Yangs,which is unprecedented in the history of Qing Dynasty dramas as the two bears unusual relationships.National version of the drama is divided into 2 parts,which are just Zhao Dai Xiao Shao and The Iron Flag Array.It can be seen that the Zhao Dai Xiao Shao has been revised in five aspects,such as adjusting the eyes,modifying the tracks,retouching the whites,changing the characters,and adding wear. |
