On China-India Classical Dramas’ Narrative Dialogue

　　ABSTRACT: Chinese drama, which did not reach maturity until the mediaeval times, has been inevitably influenced by elements from some foreign dramas. Quite a few scholars have noticed the influence of Indian classical drama (Sanskrit drama) on the development of Chinese drama. It is generally accepted that Sanskrit drama exerted influence on Chinese drama bit by bit. However, the acceptance or transformation in that process has not been systematically analyzed and summarized. Through macroscopic and microcosmic researches on dramatic plastic arts such as puppet drama, on the dramatic elements such as singing, dancing and music, on the dramatic narrative style (playbooks) and so on, this paper discusses and expounds the influences of Sanskrit drama on Chinese drama.