Festivals and Theatrical Forms of Asia

Thailand - Lantern Festival (Yi Peng)

  • 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

  1. Dinagyang (Ilo-ilo)
  2. Kadayawan (Davao)
  3. Higantes (Angono, Rizal)
  4. Longganisa (Vigan)
  5. Kasadyaan (Leyte)
  6. Sinulog (Cebu)
  7. Masskara (Bacolod)
  8. Sandugo (Bohol)
  9. Kaamulan (Bukidnon)
  10. 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.