A Comparative Study of the Human Condition Series by Wu Nianzhen and the theatre of Marie Jones

• Main Authors: Conor Stuart, 蕭辰宇
• Other Authors: Shu-Ling Horng
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2013
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/93883052268445251067

碩士 === 國立臺灣大學 === 台灣文學研究所 === 101 === This thesis attempts to place the plays of Marie Jones and the Human Condition series by Wu Nianzhen in comparative perspective, employing postcolonial theory to examine how both playwrights deal with colonial history, identity politics, language and globalization. Works by both playwrights have garnered massive success and popularity, Marie Jones’ plays having been performed in New York and London and even adapted by a Mexican playwright, while Wu Nianzhen’s series has enjoyed unprecedented ticket sales and extended runs domestically. Their popularity, particularly among typically non-theatre going audiences, however, has led to their work being perceived as populist and simplistic by most serious critics. This thesis is an attempt, primarily through examination of the published performance texts, to compare the manner in which these two playwrights captured the popular imagination, as well as exploring the reasons their plays are often overlooked in theatre criticism. Through comparison of so called ‘popular’ (tongsu) theatre from both Taiwan and Ireland, the similarities and differences in the process of and discourse surrounding decolonization, and dealing with globalization in both countries will be highlighted, as well as the cultural elitism that can be seen as the enduring legacy of the colonial regime.