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Theatre History. Chinese and Hindu Theatre. The Beginnings of Chinese Theatre. The beginnings: 2000 BC Used i nterpretive dance D ances told a story Reverence for ancestors Only the people of the Emperor's court saw the dramas. Chinese Drama:8 th - 9 th century AD.
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Theatre History Chinese and Hindu Theatre
The Beginnings of Chinese Theatre • The beginnings: • 2000 BC • Used interpretive dance • Dances told a story • Reverence for ancestors • Only the people of the Emperor's court saw the dramas
Chinese Drama:8th- 9th century AD • Emperor Ming Huang • founded a school for actors • called the Children of the Pear Tree Garden • considered the patron saint of theatre in China to this day Style: • highly formalized • themes- ancestor worship, military glory, faithfulness to husband
End of Ming Haung’s Drama • Mongol invasion 1280 AD • they wanted: • action • stunts • acrobatics • songs • dances • THE CHALK CIRCLE and THE LUTE SONG were plays from that time • When the Communists took over in1949 it ended this drama- used theatre for government policy
The Peking Opera • Westerners considered the Chinese theatre opera because of the singing • it had a very symbolic quality • most acting was done by men
Style of Peking Opera • Used highly stylized poses and movements • Very graceful • Every gesture meant something • a sleeve over the eyes= weeping • shoulders shaking= grief
Props and costumes • Props were also symbolic • white paper falling= snow • an actor with a flag= army • flag with wavy lines- river • colors= emotions red= faithfulness blue= cruelty white= evil Used thick makeup and dazzling costumes
Hindu Theatre • Ancient- dates back to 1500 BC • A religious form • real theatre emerged around 5th Century BC • Sanskrit- language of educated used • Performed in courtyards and gardens of rulers • Actors waited in a “greenroom” before going on stage * we use this term today in drama
Hindu Theatre • Scenery was a decorated wall • small audiences close to stage • delicate restrained acting styles • plays always ended happily • women were on stage- ( this may have been the first place to allow women • next week- Japanese theatre