Tradition and Individual Creativity in the Chinese and Japanese Storytelling
Tradition and Individual Creativity in the Chinese and Japanese Storytelling

Author(s): Věnceslava Hrdličková
Subject(s): Language and Literature Studies, Sociology of the arts, business, education, Sociology of Literature
Published by: Univerzita Palackého v Olomouci
Keywords: Oral tradition; Chinese storytelling; Japanese storytelling; apprenticeship; performance techniques; creativity;
Summary/Abstract: A delicate balance between tradition and individual creativity characterizes storytelling in China and Japan. This balance ensures that while the structure, themes, and performance techniques are deeply rooted in tradition, each storyteller brings a unique personal touch to his art, making each performance distinct and engaging. The “know-how” of storytelling is typically transmitted orally from master to apprentice, making it appear straightforward and spontaneous to casual observers. In reality, the art of storytelling results from systematic training, discipline, and the artist’s maturity. Apprentices in both China and Japan learn through imitation, absorbing the master’s art before developing their own style. Eventually, it is, however, the storyteller’s unique personality and creativity that brings the stories to life. Moreover, the stories are treated as living entities, constantly adapted to suit different audiences and contexts. The quality of performance often improves with the storyteller’s age and experience.

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