Abstract
ABSTRACTPerhaps the most familiar “Chinese” narrative in Indonesia involves the Tang general Xue Rengui. This article examines the process of transformation that turned Xue into first a hero of fiction and drama in late imperial China, then of a major narrative in late colonial Dutch East Indies culture, and recently – in the more permissive atmosphere of post-Suharto Indonesia – of a commercial theatre series. That last work, a tetralogy by Teater Koma, draws from archipelagic traditions, local vernaculars and Sino–Indonesian stereotypes, mediating Chinese sources to create a raucous and macaronic theatre work. This article argues that the Xue narrative in its various iterations shows how Chinese narrative makes a profound and enduring contribution to Indonesian culture, integrated early and through popular media, including human and puppet theatres, popular fiction and comic books.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call