Cultural Influences in Contemporary Asian Arts

Concept of Theater

  • Definition: The word theater comes from the Greek theatron, meaning ‘‘a place of seeing.’’ Architecturally, it refers to a building or space for performances before an audience, typically featuring a staging area.

Traditional Chinese Theater: Peking Opera

  • Peking Opera (Beijing Opera/Jingju): Originated approximately $200$ years ago during the mid-Qing dynasty in Beijing. It is famous for acrobatic movements, colorful costumes, and stylized facial expressions.

  • Character Roles:

    • Sheng: Gentlemen

    • Dan: Women

    • Jing: Painted-face men (often villains)

    • Chou: Clowns

  • Facial Makeup Colors:

    • Red: Bravery and devotion

    • Black: Boldness and impartiality

    • Blue: Fierceness and astuteness

    • Green: Impulsiveness and violence

    • Yellow: Ambition and cool-headedness

    • White: Craftiness and treachery

    • Gold/Silver: Spirits or gods

  • Instruments: Includes the Jinghu (Beijing fiddle), Erhu (second fiddle), Yueqin (moon-shaped mandolin), and Pipa (four-stringed lute).

Japanese Theatrical Traditions: Kabuki and Noh

  • Kabuki: A $400$-year-old classical form blending song (ka), dance (bu), and skill (ki). Features include:

    • Roles: Aragoto (wild hero), Wagoto (romantic lead), Onnagata (male actors playing women), and Jitsugoto (serious leaders).

    • Makeup: Red is used for heroes, while black is used for villains.

  • Noh Drama: Japan's oldest surviving theater, focused on atmosphere and metaphor rather than plot. It utilizes masks instead of makeup.

    • Types: Kamimono (gods), Shuramono (warriors), Kazuramono (women), Zatsu (miscellaneous), and Kirimono (demons).

    • Characters: Shite (main character), Waki (supporting actor), Hayashi (musicians playing fue flute and drums), Jiutai (chorus), and Koken (stage attendants).

Philippine Musical Theater: Zarzuela

  • Zarzuela: A synthesis of music, dance, and drama introduced during the Spanish colonial era. It flourished at the end of the 19th19\text{th} century, reflecting Filipino cultural nuances and sociopolitical themes.

Core Elements of Theater Narratives

  • Theme: The underlying message or ‘‘soul’’ of the story.

  • Plot Structure: Exposition, Rising action, Climax, Falling action, and Resolution.

  • Characters: Includes the Protagonist (main character) and Antagonist (opposition).

  • Conflict: The central challenge (Person vs. person, self, nature, or society).

  • Setting: The time and place, often depicted via stage design.

  • Point of View: First Person (I), Second Person (you), or Third Person Omniscient.

  • Style: The author’s distinct voice, including tone and word choice.

Emerging Trends and Features in Asian Theater

  • Modern Narrative Characteristics: Fusion of cultural influences (traditional and modern), incorporation of diverse community perspectives, and the use of digital technology and multimedia.

  • Basic Elements: Storytelling (myths/legends), music, dance, mime, masks, makeup, costumes, props, and symbolic stage design.

Popular Asian Dance and Performers

  • Hip-hop and Street Dance: Emerged in the $1970s$ in urban communities. Basic steps include Groove, Tone Wop, Brooklyn Bounce, Criss Cross, Sham Rock, and Dougie.

  • Notable Dancers:

    • Park Ji-min (Jimin): Member of BTS, known as the ‘‘Modern Dance King’’; born 13 October 199513 \text{ October } 1995.

    • Jeon Jung-kook (Jungkook): Member of BTS, known for sharp, strong moves; born 1 September 19971 \text{ September } 1997.

    • Jung Hoseok (J-hope): BTS member specializing in street and urban dance styles.

    • Momo Hirai (Momo): Member of Twice, nicknamed ‘‘Dance Machine’’; born 9 November 19969 \text{ November } 1996.

    • Kim Taehyung (V): BTS member recognized for emotive expressions; born 30 December 199530 \text{ December } 1995.

    • Philippine Allstars: Filipino hip-hop group; winners at the World Hip Hop Dance Championships in $2006$ and $2008$.