Kramer vs. Kramer in China -- The Innovation and Deficiency of Local Adaptation of Western Classic Plays

Abstract

Local adaptations of Western countries plays are common in China; different theaters have various ways of making Western plays locally adapted to Chinese society. The explicit ways and disadvantages are what people are curious about; these may inspire future directors to direct productions. This research Identifies how the Guangzhou Dramatic Art Center made the Western classic play Kramer vs. Kramer locally adapted in Guangzhou and analyzes the innovation and deficiencies of the local adaptation based on an interview with an anonymous repertoire coordinator in the Guangzhou Dramatic Art Center. The result is that the disadvantages led to criticisms related to how this local adaptation did not show feminism, but the overall changes achieved the goal of local adaptation. The audience developed empathy for the characters and plots, and they understood the overall play with reflections and special opinions. The result is due to the changes of the setting, texts in the script, and the names, elements, and belief of characters.