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A Bit of Research!
Last week we took some time to look at a play’s given circumstances and a play’s background and structure. We took this time to study these areas because of the value of what we learn about a play as we pursue clear and focused storytelling as Theatre artists. The study and analysis of a play allows us to appreciate the artistry of the playwright in a stronger way and make stronger choices as directors, designers and actors. Analysis and its strong execution on stage or for TV and film, also allows the audience a much more engaging and satisfying experience.
This week we want to take some time looking at the history of Asian Theatre, specifically Japanese Theatre and it three major styles: Noh, Bunraku, and Kabuki. These styles have been with the Japanese culture for centuries. In fact, Noh Theatre has been performed since the time of the European crusades in the middle ages.
As we study the development of Asian American Theatre it is important to look at the origins of the Theatre culturally and historically.
In our next module (week #7) we will look the impact of Asian American Theatre in the last century and its influence today addressing the concerns and societal needs of the Asian American community especially here in Southern California.
This week however, (week #6), we are looking back and studying these three traditions of Japanese Art and Culture.
For this weeks assignment you are to watch the documentaries provided in Titanium about the three Japanese Theatre styles. You will then CHOOSE ONE of these three, Noh, Buraku, or Kabuki and do further research in the form of a paper about the styles history, origins, the individuals that were important to the styles development, special characteristics about the style and research pictures supporting your paper and conclusions.
Your paper should be a minimum of Two pages in length and no more than Three. It should be double spaced and use proper formatting.
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Kabuki theatre style is a well-known type of Japanese melodic drama characterized by decorative make-up costuming and stylized dancing, music, and acting. Both female and male acting parts are performed by men. It has been influenced by bunraku manikin plays and Noh theater. Kabuki theatre originated as form entertainment for the common people (Scott, 1999).
The history of Kabuki theatre stretches out for around four hundred years, and it was established amid the Edo time frame, which is an era in Japanese history going between 1603-1868. Its root started in Kyoto, where a shrine lady, who went by the name Izumo no Okuni, would utilize the city’s dry Kamo Riverbed as a podium to make uncommon dances for bystanders.
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