Table of Contents

Chapter Ⅰ 
Cultural Context 
1. The mythology of Zhong Kui_1 
2. Historical development_2 
3. The popularization of Zhong Kui stories _16 
Chapter Ⅱ 
Dimensions of Hebei Bangzi Opera _ 39 
1. Landscape of theatres _ 39 
2. Birth and growth of the opera _ 43 
3. Prototypes of its theatrical performance _ 61 
Chapter Ⅲ 
The r985 Production of the Hebei Bangzi Opera Zhong Kui _ 80
1. Synopsis of plot _ 80 
2. Reviews _ 81 
3. The libretto with annotations _ 83 
The Hebei Bangzi Opera ABCs _ 135 
Endnotes _ 172 
Works Cited_187

Sample Pages Preview

Li Si: [With a threatening tone] 
Look, Mr. Zhong. Do as we suggest. It's in your best interest. Mylord never takes a rejection. You want to try your luck testing it out ?You see the chief supervisor of this year's exam is the godfather ofmy lord's uncle-his mother's brother. Even if you don't take ourinvites, his uncle will still make sure that his godfather will help mylord win the championship100. Go figure. 
Zhong Kui:Save your breath ! 
Chang Feng: [Shamed and upset] 
[Stuttering, sings] 
How dare you,You little Zhong Kui,To poke into my eyesTo shame meTo cross me-[To Li Si] What should we do? 
[Li Si whispering into Chang Feng's ear] 
Chang Feng: 
That's a good idea. If Zhong Kui is unwilling to let me copy his answer,he won't win the champion, either. [Sings] 
I will have you 
Lose it, too ! 
Chang Feng: [Furiously, he tears up his invitation and check.] 
The hell with you ! [ Walking toward the door].