Traditional Asian TheaterAsian

China Peking Opera Beijing The Peking Opera House

China’s National Opera Originated in the late 18 th century Synthesis of music, dance, art, and acrobatics Known for acrobatic fighting Costumes come from Ming dynasty no matter what time setting.

Make-up

Stage set up

Japan Noh Theater

Noh Theater in Japan Came of age in the 14 th century Buddhist monks used it as a teaching tool Performed on a simple, almost bare stage and like classical Greek tragedy, uses only two actors and chorus Tone tends to be serious Many short plays together in an evenings entertainment

Zeami - the Father of Noh Theater

KabukiKabuki TheaterTheater

Kabuki Theater of Japan Over 400 years old Originated as middle class theater Actors do not speak Narrator describes the scene, comments on the action, and even speaks portions of the dialogue

Cont. Originally performed by all female cast Government forbid women on stage Make-up very important Melodramas centered around climactic moments as opposed to plots

Bunraku