Asian Theater Arts Flashcards (Vocabulary)

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms from the lecture notes on theater arts and Asian theater forms.

Theater Arts

The art form in which performers communicate a message to the audience through facial expressions, dialogue, and bodily movements, often including dance and music.

Chinese Opera

Traditional Chinese theater such as Peking Opera, blending music, vocal performance, pantomime, dance, and acrobatics.

Peking Opera

Beijing opera; a Chinese opera known for elaborate costumes and makeup, integrating music, singing, movement, and visual spectacle.

Jinghu

A two-stringed bowed instrument used to accompany Beijing opera.

Kabuki Theater

Traditional Japanese theater known for extravagant productions, bold makeup, elaborate costumes, and stylized acting.

Kabuki

A Japanese theater form whose name means 'the art of singing and dancing'.

Shamisen

A three-stringed Japanese instrument used to accompany Kabuki performances.

Kumadori

The bold, stylized facial makeup in Kabuki used to signify character traits.

Kabuki Music

The musical component of Kabuki, including instrumental accompaniment, vocal music, and sound effects.

Sewamono

Domestic plays in Kabuki, depicting common people and everyday life.

Jidaimono

Historical plays in Kabuki, focusing on samurai and noble figures.

Yakshagana

Semi-classical theater form from Karnataka, India, known for lavish costumes, music, dance, and dialogue.

Chande

A drum used in Yakshagana.

Maddale

A double-headed drum used in Yakshagana.

Harmonium

A keyboard-type wind instrument used to accompany Yakshagana performances.

Taala

Metal clappers used in Yakshagana to keep rhythm.

Flute

A wind instrument used in Yakshagana music.

Stage

The raised area where actors perform and audiences view the production.

Script

The written text of a play, including dialogue and stage directions.

Costume

Clothing and accessories worn by performers to represent characters and settings.

Lights

Stage lighting used to create mood, emphasis, and visibility during a performance.