1. Chinese and Hindu Theatre
Theatre History
Chinese and Hindu Theatre

2. The Beginnings of Chinese Theatre
2000 BC
Used interpretive dance
Dances told a story
Reverence for ancestors
Only the people of the Emperor's court saw the dramas

3. 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

4. End of Ming Haung’s Drama
Mongol invasion 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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