The Cambridge Guide to Asian Theatre

Front Cover
James R. Brandon, Martin Banham
Cambridge University Press, Jan 28, 1997 - Drama - 253 pages
"The Cambridge Guide to Asian Theatre provides an overall description of the theatrical arts that have evolved in Asia and Oceania over the course of 2000 years, and the performances that exist in this region today. Ancient, highly developed, richly diverse, these theatrical arts are an integral part of life for many people in Asia. From Pakistan in the west, through India and Southeast Asia to China, Korea and Japan in the east, this book traces the development of theatre in 20 countries in fascinating and illuminating detail." "Asian theatrical arts have evolved a diversity of forms - such as bunraku or krishnattam, Beijing opera or kabuki - each reflecting the unique language, religious views, social structures and daily lives of the people. Over a hundred of the most important of these genres have been gathered in this book, clearly presented in alphabetical order within the relevant country sections." "In the introduction, Professor Brandon looks at the breath-taking sweep of Asian and Oceanic theatrical history, pointing to the distinctiveness of theatre in each country but also tracing the commonalities that arose from similarities of race and ethnicity, religion and politics, language and literary traditions." "Entries on the most significant actors, playwrights, and directors from the past to the present are highlighted in panels. A select bibliography concludes each country chapter. Cross-references within each chapter enable the reader to find a fuller explanation of actor or genre where necessary." "The Cambridge Guide to Asian Theatre will be an indispensable tool not only for students of drama, dance or Asian studies, but also for those who are actively engaged in the theatre, or who live or travel in Asia."--Jacket.
 

Selected pages

Contents

Bangladesh
12
Burma
13
Cambodia
19
China
26
Hong Kong
60
India
64
Indonesia
118
Japan
142
Oceania
203
Pakistan
211
Philippines
214
Singapore
222
Sri Lanka
225
Taiwan
230
Thailand
234
Vietnam
245

Korea
180
Laos
190
Malaysia
193
Nepal
201
Index of Artists and Genres
251
Illustration Acknowledgements
253
Copyright

Other editions - View all

Common terms and phrases

Bibliographic information