Yi Peng is a Thai holiday celebrated annually in the second month of the Thai Lanna Calendar.
The primary purpose of this festival is to make Buddhist merit.
Thai lanterns, popularly used in celebrations, are a Western invention.
The wish lanterns are accurately termed Khoom Loy or Khoo.
Major celebrations are held in Chiang Mai, which was the ancient capital of the Lanna Kingdom.
Kodo Taiko Drum Festival of Japan
The term "Kodo" conveys two meanings: the heartbeat (the primal source of rhythm) and "Children of the drum."
Kodo was established in 1981 and debuted at the Berlin Symphony.
The main instrument of Kodo performances is the Taiko drum, renowned for its deep, resonant sound.
Other Philippine Festivals
Dinagyang (Ilo-ilo)
Kadayawan (Davao)
Higantes (Angono, Rizal)
Longganisa (Vigan)
Kasadyaan (Leyte)
Sinulog (Cebu)
Masskara (Bacolod)
Sandugo (Bohol)
Kaamulan (Bukidnon)
Pahiyas (Quezon)
Japanese Theater
Japanese theater consists of two main forms: Noh and Kabuki.
A secondary form of theater is Bunraku, a traditional puppet show.
Noh Plays
Noh is the oldest surviving form of Japanese theater, which originated in the 1300s.
It combines music, dance, and acting to express religious themes.
Noh plays feature minimal plot and action, with much of the narrative expressed through symbolic performance.
During intermissions, comedic skits known as Kyogen are performed.
Actors wear traditional masks and elaborate costumes, with all roles being performed by men.
Each performance typically includes three short plays throughout the evening.
Kabuki
Kabuki is a theatrical art form known for its rich showmanship.
The dramas are colorful, dealing with themes of love, revenge, and morality.
Kabuki plots often reference historical events, moral conflicts, and classic tragedies.
The performances incorporate elaborate stage settings, with male actors portraying both male and female roles.
Bunraku
Bunraku is an ancient form of Japanese puppet theater.
It is primarily performed in Osaka and often adapts stories from Kabuki plays.
The repertoire includes historical narratives, heroic tales, and everyday life dramas.
Wayang Kulit (Indonesian Shadow Theater)
Wayang Kulit is a prominent form of puppet show in Indonesia, frequently performed during significant events like weddings and birthdays.
The narratives often draw from ancient Hindu epics and modern political themes.
The puppeteer, known as Dalang, is the central figure who operates the puppets and narrates the story, acting as a religious leader or shaman during performances.
Accompanied by a Gamelan orchestra, this art form serves both entertainment and spiritual purposes.
Peking Opera
Peking Opera is the most popular theater performance in Beijing, often referred to as the "Oriental Opera."
Costuming is critical; each role's costume is tailored uniquely, indicating age, occupation, and social status:
High-ranking characters wear red.
Lower officials wear blue.
Young characters appear in white, while older roles wear brown, olive, or white.
Lianpu (Facial Painting)
Facial painting in Peking Opera requires extensive practice to master and is integral to a character's role.
This technique is known as the "Picture of hearts."
Philippine Theater
Senakulo: A religious drama performed mainly during the Lenten season.
Panuluyan: A performance typically conducted during Christmas.
Sarzuela: A musical play exploring themes of mythology, nobility, and domestic life.