* Characteristics:
* Highly stylized and symbolic form of theatre
* Performed by all-male actors
* Uses masks, elaborate costumes, and minimal sets
* Focuses on themes of love, loss, and the supernatural
* Unique features:
* The stage is divided into two sections: the main stage and the bridge stage
* The chorus sits on the bridge stage and provides narration and commentary
* The use of masks allows for a wide range of characters to be portrayed
* The slow, deliberate movements of the actors create a sense of ritual
Kabuki theatre (Japan)
* Characteristics:
* Popular form of theatre that combines music, dance, and drama
* Performed by all-male actors
* Uses elaborate sets, costumes, and special effects
* Focuses on themes of loyalty, revenge, and honor
* Unique features:
* The use of exaggerated gestures and facial expressions
* The use of kabuki make-up to create stylized characters
* The incorporation of acrobatic feats and stage tricks
* The tradition of audience participation
Peking opera (China)
* Characteristics:
* Highly stylized form of theatre that combines music, dance, and acrobatics
* Performed by both male and female actors
* Uses elaborate sets, costumes, and make-up
* Focuses on themes of history, mythology, and romance
* Unique features:
* The use of four main role types: the sheng (male lead), the dan (female lead), the jing (painted-face male character), and the chou (clown character)
* The use of acrobatics and martial arts
* The incorporation of traditional Chinese music and instruments
Wayang kulit (Indonesia)
* Characteristics:
* Traditional form of shadow puppet theatre
* Performed by a dalang (puppeteer) who controls the puppets from behind a screen
* Uses intricately carved leather puppets and a gamelan orchestra
* Focuses on themes of mythology, history, and folklore
* Unique features:
* The puppets are made from buffalo hide and are carefully painted and decorated
* The dalang uses a variety of techniques to create the illusion of movement and emotion
* The gamelan orchestra provides a haunting and evocative soundtrack
* The performances often last all night