Based on: Uncle Tom's Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe
Premier Date: June 1, 1907
Language: Chinese
Performed by: Spring Willow Society in Tokyo, Japan
Genre: Western-style Chinese drama
Key Themes
Allegory for Chinese Migrants: The play was an allegory for the experiences of Chinese migrants in the United States, highlighting anti-Chinese sentiment.
Innovations: Known for its use of spoken dialogue and realistic set designs, differing from traditional Chinese theatre.
Nationalism: Focused on self-emancipation and resistance, reflecting nationalistic themes.
Synopsis
Main Characters: Arthur Shelby, Emily Shelby, Tom, Eliza, George, Harry
Plot: Arthur Shelby, pressured by debt, offers his slaves as payment. Eliza and George, fearing for their son Harry’s future, decide to escape. They make a bid for freedom amidst a party, escaping pursuers.
Background
Historical Context: Set during a period of reform in the Qing dynasty following military defeats. Theatre was seen as a means to reach the common people, most of whom were illiterate.
Cultural Interchange: Increased Chinese student presence in Japan, leading to cultural exchanges in theatrical forms.
Production
Adaptation Process: Adapted from the first five chapters of a Chinese translation of Uncle Tom's Cabin.
Director: Guided by Fujisawa Asajir, a Japanese dramatist.
Staging and Design: Emphasis on realistic scenery, costumes, and minimal singing or dancing.
Performance and Reception
Showings: Two performances at the Hong-za Theatre in Tokyo.
Reception: Generally favorable reviews from Japanese critics. Highly praised for its stage design and acting.
Financial Success: Ouyang Yuqian regarded it as financially successful.
Legacy
First Modern Chinese Drama: Canonized as the first modern Western-style Chinese drama.
Influence: Influenced the development of spoken-word dramas in China.
Adaptations: Inspired adaptations and commemorations, including new adaptations on significant anniversaries.
Key Figures
Li Shutong: Stage designer, also played Emily Shelby.
Ouyang Yuqian: Played a role in the production, regarded the play as a significant experience.
Other Cast: Xie Kangbai (George Harris), Huang Nannan (Arthur Shelby), various others played multiple roles including cross-gender roles.
Commemoration and Further Works
Produced adaptations for the 50th and 100th anniversaries, each emphasizing resistance and class struggle.
References
The play has been detailed in works by Shouhua Qi, Siyuan Liu, and Shiao-Ling Yu, among others, focusing on its historical and cultural significance.