Ju chang yi shu [Theatre Arts].

First edition. Vol. 1&2, containing 12 issues each (complete as such). Numerous plates and illustrations throughout. Large 8vo. Vol. 1 in publisher's boards, vol. 2 in original publisher's cloth (minor damage to spine), some light browning due to poor paper quality, but overall still a very good set. Shanghai, Guang ming shu ju, Ju chang yi shu chu ban she. 1938-

"Theatre Arts" was founded in Shanghai in November 1938 under the editor Song Qing (aka Li Bolong). It was discontinued in October 1941, with a total of three volumes and thirty-one issues. Contributors include Yu Ling, Li Jianwu, Zhang Junxiang, Huang Zuolin, Gu Zhongyi, Zhu Duanjun, Yinxia (Chen Xihe), Xu Xingzhi, Wu Tian, Xu Zi, Jiang Chunfang, & Bing Yi. Its main purpose was to promote professional and technical aspects of modern (mostly Western) theatre in China and deal with all aspects of directing, drama theory, stage installation and lighting, make-up etc. There are regular columns such as Stage Light, My Art Life, Post-editing, Theater Dynamics, and readers were encouraged to supply commentary and opinions in the 'Reader's Corner'. Published "Actor's Self-cultivation", "My Artistic Life", "Bits of the Past", "His Genius Is Alive". The illustrations feature a large number of stage sets, performance stills, and portraits of actors. Interestingly, the magazine played a role in various anti-Japanese war activities in Shanghai and elsewhere. Cover design by Ru Mei. 

Stock Code: 246088