DTS2050

Asian theatre: an introduction

B Hatley

8 points - 3 hours per week - Second semester - Clayton

Objectives On sucessfully completing this course students should have gained a general understanding of some major characteristics and social roles of theatre in Asian societies through a focus on Indonesia and Japan. They will have been introduced to the classical performing traditions of these two countries, and to such issues as the contested meanings of 'tradition' and 'modernity', the role of theatre as an expression of cultural identity, the history of contact with Western models and the significance of theatre as a vehicle of contemporary political expression.

Synopsis This subject provides an introduction to the classical traditions and contemporary practice of theatre in Asian societies through a focus on Indonesia and Japan. A number of key issues in the performing arts of both countries are identified and explored - the contested meanings of 'tradition' and 'modernity', the role of theatre as an expression of cultural identity, the history of contact with Western models and the significance of theatre as a vehicle of contemporary political expression. The subject reviews traditional 'classical' forms of theatre in their historical social context and as they are produced today. It then examines the impact of cultural contact with the West, and the way indigenous performance traditions are appropriated, confronted and combined with global cultural influences in contemporary theatre practice.

Assessment One essay (3000 words): 45% - One seminar presentation plus written paper (2000 words): 40% - Seminar participation: 15%

Recommended texts

Goodman D The return of the gods: Japanese culture and drama in the 1960's Sharpe, 1988
Keeler W Javanese shadow puppets: Javanese selves Princeton U P, 1987
Ernst The Kabuki theatre U Hawaii P, 1974
Raffety E (ed.) Putu Wijaya in performance U Wisonsin P, 1989
Rendra The struggle of the Naga tribe UQP, 1979
Riantiarno Time Bomb and Cockroach Opera Lontar Foundation, 1992

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