On Yingxi (影戏): exploring the origin of Chinese film aesthetics

Abstract In China, “Yingxi” (shadow play) is a compound term referring to various forms of traditional performance, shadow play in particular. As folk art oral and personal instruction for more than 2000 years, “presenting through light” play’s most basic artistic characteristic. This concept recorded different periods, nationalities regions the Yingxi also refers signifieds. Following historical convention, we adopt name modern “film” introduced from West. fact, not only emphasizes internal relationship between film Chinese opera, but adheres tradition “performing stories with light shadow” that embedded plays.