Eastern Theatre Stagecraft

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  • Topic: Puppet, Theatre, Stagecraft
  • Pages : 3 (583 words )
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  • Published : April 30, 2013
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India, Japan and China
general comparisons:
East or asian theatre is presentational and not anchored in realism or naturalistic representation (actors run wild for wind) movements are heavily stylized and often have very specific meanings eastern drama historically has been a presentation of a unified art: seamlessly incorporating literature, music song, dance and specticle. Costumes and make up tend to be symbolic. Masks and mask-like make-up have specific character meanings. (Commedia dell'Arte style) Minimal scenery

stagehands ad puppetteers are not disguised or hidden, but are honored. India

sanskrit: an ancient literary of India, highly educated.
Sanscrit Drana: India's oldest greek tradition, between 200 bc and 100 AD flourished from 300-1000 AD during which hundreds of plays were written. Focused on spiritual themes, epic tales,...

Specticle: decorated costumes and heavy make-up.
Colors and stylization of the costumes represent different characters that the contemporary audiences would recognize.

The Sanskrit stagecraft
Sanskrit drama was once an elite pasttime, performed in palaces. Characters spoke different languages: Gods and Kings spoke Sanskrit, tonwnpeople, women,... spoke common tongues. Stage could have been heavily decorated, but using no specific scenery. Also accounts of a bare stage with movements, gestures and dialogue signaling the locals. Some props may have been used: weapons, chariots, …

Action normally took place offset: battles, kidnappings, …


1. developed in the 1300's
2. highly stylized, often plotless, tragic mood, faily short 3. only male actors, use wooden mask for the female characters, or any other characters. 4. Usually use only one location
5. evenly integrates singing, speech, instrumental music
6. 2 sided thrust
7. row or 2 of chairs for the chorus
8. walkway upstage to the greenroom
9. roof overhang
10. unchanging scenery
1. developed about the same time as Nò
2. comic relief,...
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