The Field Investigation And Research On Manzhang Drama Of Fu’an

Manzhang drama of Fu’an belongs to the puppet show, which is quite unique among dozens of puppet shows for its simple performance with the original characteristics. In light of field work, the essay probes into the drama’s history, art form, theatrical troupe’s situation and the play’s source, type and formation of performing. Manzhang drama of Fu’an begins at the end of the Qing Dynasty. The original and traditional performance characteristics of the "one-people" puppetry technology and the light and handy performing tools are great popular among the local villagers. The author visited the villages and towns, such as Fu’an, Xiayang and Zherong, investigating the members and their incomings, and analyzing the actors’ career, custom and the culture of religion. For the play, the essay indicates that the play learns from the traditional play and absorbs script for story-telling and some short plays reflecting the local life written by the actors. In accordance with the length of play, there are continues play, simple play, highlights from play. According to the regulation, there are the human play, history play and mythical play. And on play’s pattern, the full play and the simple play have their own unique characteristics. The author introduced the well-preserved plays collected one by one.