卢文弨称《目连戏》为“目连变”原因之蠡测

An Analysis of the Reasons Why Lu Wenchao Called MuLian Drama“Mulianbian”

卢文弨《钟山杂记》之所以把优人所演《目连戏》称作“目连变”,主要原因有三:一是祭厉仪式中《目连戏》演员的扮相变化,二是《目连戏》禳灾时的依通灵变,三是目连大戏的百戏或幻戏场景,其怪诞不经所体现的戏剧闹热性,突显了它从祭神到娱人性质的巨大转变。而卢氏所说“优人演《目连变》”时目连戏之种类,当指宗教仪式、仪式剧和戏剧大戏,而非一般意义上的折子戏。

There are three main reasons why Lu Wenchao’s Zhongshan Zaji called Mulian Drama“Mulianbian”.First is actor’s appearance change in the Mulian Drama during the ritual.Secoud is that Mulian Drama defies disasters according to psychic changes.The third is Baixi or the illusion performance scene of the great Mulian opera.The comedic farce embodied in its eccentricity is magnifying the dramatic shift from the nature of sacrificing to the gods to entertaining people.This Mulian Drama in the theatrical performance“Mulianbian”by Lu Wenchao refers to religious rituals,ritual plays and theatrical grand operas,rather than opera highlights in the general sense.