泰国九皇斋节华语戏曲演出探析

Chinese Language Operatic Performances at Bang Neow Vegetarian Festival

在东南亚各国中,泰国的华语戏曲历史最为悠久,已经走过了3个多世纪的艰难历程。在异质文化土壤里,华语戏曲的移植和发展主要依托于泰国华人宗教及民间信仰,发挥着酬神娱鬼的宗教功能。九皇斋节的戏曲演出在泰国是最盛行的,这是华人宗教信仰与戏曲演出相互结合的典型个案,也揭示了泰国王室及潮商在期间所发挥的重要作用。

The history of Chinese traditional opera in Thailand is over three centuries,the longest among the southeastern Asian countries.In a heterogeneous cultural environment,the transference and development of Chinese traditional opera mainly depends on the religion and folk belief of the Chinese immigrants in Thailand,and the tradition contains a religious function of rewarding and entertaining the spirits and ghosts.Such performances during the Vegetarian Festival are the most prevalent in Thailand,exemplifying the interplay of religious belief and dramatic performances,and the important role of the royal family of Thailand as well as overseas Cantonese merchants.