Japanese Culture and Performances

These flashcards are designed to enhance understanding of Japanese culture, performative arts, and their representations as discussed in the lecture.

Mercado

A theatrical production that depicts a fanciful representation of Japanese culture.

Topsy-turvy

Refers to the chaotic and upside-down view held by Europeans about Japan during the mid-1880s.

Orientalism

A Western perspective that depicts Eastern cultures as exotic and often inferior.

Cultural appropriation

The act of taking or using elements from one culture by members of another culture, often without permission.

Authenticity

The quality of being genuine or accurate in representing a culture.

Victorian houses

Homes built during the Victorian era, often decorated with items from other cultures like China and Japan.

Intertonic scale

A musical scale that was altered in the Mercado to sound more Japanese.

Gilbert and Sullivan

A famous duo known for their comic operas, including the Mercado.

Coco and Yum Yum

Characters from the Mercado representing themes of love and cultural interaction.

Modernization of Japan

Efforts from 1863 onward to strengthen Japan's military and education to avoid colonization.

Nineteen O Five

Refers to the year when Japan defeated Russia, marking its emergence as a world power.

Edo

The former name of Tokyo, which was controlled by the Tokugawa shogunate.

Restoration

A period beginning in 1868 when Japan transitioned from feudal rule to a modern state.

Chinese and Japanese goods

Items produced in Japan and China that were popular in Western markets.

Comedic performance

A type of theater often highlighted in the Mercado, drawing humor from cultural stereotypes.

Traditional clothing

Garments worn by Japanese performers, representing their cultural heritage.

Porcelain plates

Decorative items found in Victorian homes, often depicting scenes from China.

Caricatures

Exaggerated representations of people or things, often used in Gilbert's sketches.

Performative nature

The aspect of a production that emphasizes the act of performing over realistic portrayal.

Imaginary story

A narrative that incorporates various cultural elements to create art.

Knightsbridge

A location in London where Japanese culture was showcased in the past.

Jewelry likening

A way Europeans perceived Japanese women resembling dolls or artifacts.

Japanese opera

A theatrical genre that incorporates elements of Japanese culture and aesthetics.

Cultural accuracy

The degree to which a representation reflects the genuine attributes of a culture.

Social situation

The broader context in which cultural performances occur, reflecting societal attitudes.

Musical elements

Components derived from various musical traditions that were incorporated into the Mercado.

Real Japanese elements

Authentic aspects of Japanese culture intended to be portrayed in performances.

Exoticism

A fascination with foreign cultures, often leading to misrepresentations.

Victorian dining room

An interior space that reflects the aesthetics and decorative styles of the Victorian era.

Miyazawa

Literary works or elements referencing the period of Japanese civil strife.

Authentic representation

Efforts to depict another culture as accurately as possible within artistic expressions.

Cultural storytelling

The practice of narrating stories that draw from various cultural influences.

Queensland Museum

An institution where critiques of works like the Mercado often occur.

Film elements

Aspects related to the medium of film used to explore cultural themes in performances.