| Tanci,an abbreviation of "Suzhou Tanci," is a traditional Chinese art form with a history of four hundred years.It was originated in Suzhou during the transitional period between Ming and Qing Dynasty,and flourished in Jiangshu Province,Zhejing Province,and Shanghai.Tanci integrates the elements of literature,language,music,and staging.In performance,it narrates in Suzhou dialect,accompanied by three-stringed plucked instrument and Chinese lute.Included "storytelling","joke cracking","music playing"and "aria singing".Tanci performance consists of both spoken storytelling(prose)and sung ballads(verse).In the early days,one Tanci script was performed for days,even months.In the contemporary era,Tanci artists usually play segments from the traditional scripts that have been edited and revised."Jade Dragonfly" is a celebrated classical Tanci.By telling a transgressive love affair between a scholar and a nun,the story stresses on devotion and faithfulness,two kinds of traditional C hinese virtues."Jade dragonfly",the key property of this Tanci,manifests these lovers complicated desire when the story starts and the fulfillment in pursuing family value at the end.However,"Jade Dragonfly" is arguable and alternative.Despite the controversy over the relationship between a married young man and a pretty nun,their love that goes beyond life and death is pathetic and affecting.This study was based on two editions of "Jade Dragonfly" transcripts which were"Full Version of Jade Dragonfly Embroidery Painting Transcript Edition" and "Jade Dragonfly Transcript Oral Edition by Zhou Yuquan".Those two editions were all originally from the same unacceptable love stories and also have a rational happy ending.It tells about unbelievable human relationships,but with themes of Buddhism,Taoism reincarnation,loyalty and filial piety."Full Version of Jade Dragonfly Embroidery Painting Transcript Edition" was not focused on the love stories,but emphasized on the lost child to find the biological family and nicely served his mother.Actress Mrs.Kim was described as a firm and indomitable woman in "Jade Dragonfly Transcript Oral Edition by Zhou Yuquan". |
