Guan Hanqing


Guan Hanqing, art names Yizhai and Yizhaisou, was a Chinese dramatist, playwright, and poet of the Yuan dynasty. He has been described as among the most prolific and highly regarded dramatists of the Yuan period.

Life

Guan Hanqing was undoubtedly the most productive and creative playwright of northern plays. Described by Jia Zhongming as "the leader of the Pear Garden", Guan was fully immersed in the theatrical scene of his time and was well known amongst both actors and his fellow peers. He is even said to have painted and powdered his face while acting on stage. He is credited with the writing of 68 plays, of which only 18 survive, three in fragments. These were written mostly in the vernacular of the time. In some cases, attribution is highly disputed. In addition to playwriting, Guan Hanqing is also said to be a master of songs. 57 of his songs and 14 song suites survive. Guan spent much of his later life in Dadu and to Hangzhou in the south. Above all, Guan Hanqing is celebrated for his uplifting portrayal of the downtrodden.

Works