CO 1503 Lecture Notes - Lecture 9: Peking Opera, Noh, Zaju
Document Summary
European and american theatre are the main focus. As communication and travel grew in 19th and 2oth centuries, interest in eastern and. Theatre is likely to emerge in any civilization except where it is forbidden by laws (islam) Knew nothing of greek or rome theatre. Asian theatre is comprised of different forms. Sanskrit plays: first recorded plays in history (2600 years ago, sanskrit is the classical indian language, based on epic tales of the hindu religion. Epic is a long story that recounts the tale of legendary hero. Basics: flawed hero who must go through trials on a path to success, funny side kick, comic story, never tragic, themes. Actors were in mask of specific colors which let the audience know who they were. Music and dance were a major part of any sanskrit play. China has a long history of varying genres or theatre: zaju (1279-1368)
