A Number Of Issues Discussed In The Evolution Of Canjun

The role category system constitutes an important part of Chinese classic opera; each role has its own origin, of which the most important one is the role of "Canjun". The "Jing" character, one of the main characters in Chinese opera originated from "Canjun". However researchers are still arguing about the details in the course of evolution. By reading existing historical records and research results about "Canjun", combining my own opinions, the paper investigates the details in the formative years of "Canjun" and its development till the Yuan Dynasty.Introduction section defines the study object and reviews the research from the20th century.Chapter1examines the origin of "Canjun". Different previous statements are collected and the origin is defined as "Shoumingshuo".Chapter2focuses on the development in the Tang Dynasty. Canjun reaches its climax during this period, serving both entertainment and guidance functionalities on stage, which also leads to its bifurcation in the Song Dynasty.Chapter3analyzes the two roles of "Canjun" in the Song Dynasty. On the one hand, inheriting the entertaining performance it develops into "Jing" character. On the other hand, the guiding and leading functionality makes it become "Canjunse" outside and "Yinxi" inside. The relationship between "Jing" and "Fujing","Canjunse" and "Canju" is also discussed.Conclusion section describes the origination and bifurcation of "Canjun" and summarizes previous research and arguments.