明代曲论中的“本色”“当行”考辨

Simplicity" and "popularity" in dramatic theory of Ming dynasty

在明代曲论中,"本色"、"当行"是用来品评戏曲艺术的重要理论内涵。品评戏曲语言时,曲论家们不约而同地将"本色"、"当行"划入同一范畴,强调了二者相通的一面,但是在语言之外的其它方面,"本色"与"当行"则显示出了分道扬镳的趋势。对于戏曲内容、人物塑造、戏曲结构等案头创作,曲论家们多以"本色"品评,而"当行"则主要论及音律、表演、排场等与艺术实践相关的问题。

Simplicity' and 'popularity' are important factors to evaluate the dramas in the dramatic theory of the Ming dynasty. When evaluating the language of the drama, the dramatic theorists always classify 'simplicity' and 'popularity' as the same category, which emphasizes their common aspects. However, when evaluating the aspects other than the language of the drama, there are some differences between 'simplicity' and 'popularity'. For the contents, the characters and the structure of the drama, 'simplicity' is always used for evaluation; and for the rhythm, the performance and the scene, 'popularity' is applied to deal with some problems relevant to the art practice.