| Theater and Society: An Anthology of Contemporary Chinese Drama is finally completed for English-speaking readers. Conceived almost eight years ago, this anthology, I hope, contributes to the building of artistic bridges between the different cultures on both sides of the Pacific. |
| I must thank Mark Selden for his constant support throughout a long working process full of interesting and, at times, unexpected difficulties. Along with his initial invitation to participate in his book series on Asia, I have received generous encouragement, challenges, and help. Harold Shadick, the late Professor Emeritus of Chinese Literature, Edward Gunn, Dominick LaCapra, and Michael Hays at Cornell University have been unfailing sources of support over the years. Martin Coben, Professor Emeritus of Theatre at the University of Colorado at Boulder carefully read part of the translations even though he was battling cancer. Howard Goldblatt, another colleague whom I am fortunate to have in Boulder, provided invaluable help. Wang Zhen the former President of Chinese Drama Publishing House, and Xu Xiaozhong, the current President of Chinese Central Drama Academy, have made specific and continuous efforts to ensure that this project reach its completion. |
| I would like to thank all the contributors in this anthology and, specifically, to thank Jiang Hong, Timothy Cheek, and Thomas Yorkthree colleagues whose excellent translations of the first two plays discussed in my Introduction are, unfortunately, not included in this book due to space limitations. Their love for Chinese dramatic literature and their commitment to its dissemination and appreciation in an Ensligh-speaking environment have confirmed and sustained my belief in creative cultural translations and productive cross-cultural communications. |
| Last but certainly not least are my special thanks to Doug Merwin, Patricia Loo, and Angela Piliouras, my editors at M.E. Sharpe. Their tireless efforts and meticulous work have made the process of completing this anthology most pleasant and memorable. |
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