THEA 100 Chapter Notes - Chapter 7: Indian Classical Drama, Natya Shastra, Guan Hanqing
Document Summary
The first fully documented, scripted theatre originated in india, where sanskrit dance- drama influenced its evolution throughout asia: sanskrit dance-drama was formalized in written form around 2,600 years ago. Before that, the drama flourished as an oral tradition for centuries: as the dominant theatre of the indian empire, sanskrit dance-drama lasted until at least the 1200s. India was and is predominantly hindu: for the hindu, time is an eternal cycle with infinite wheels of experience coexisting in celestial harmony. In the most influential indian story, mahabharata, a god asks a great hero, What is the greatest wonder of the world? . Rash behavior is discouraged, love is central, and men must protect and cherish women. The caste system gives form to hindu society: whatever their caste, women submitted to fathers, then husbands, or to brothers, uncles, or other male relatives.
