Reflection

These days, we have been looking over at World Theatre Traditions. We have seen a lot of them before, but now since we have looked at it and get to know many of them. We acknowledge the fact that there are many kinds of theatres around the world, and each type of the tradition performed in different ways: some  focuses on the makeup, some focuses on the languages, and some are focusing on the movement gestures. However, every kind of them wanted to emphasize their own cultures and the background story. I have been looking through for 12 different world theatre traditions. To be honest, every kinds of them is fascinating and interesting. Nevertheless, I choose three at first, and I did corresponding research.

At first, I search about the Topeng Dance theatre, Cantonese Opera...etc. They are three different kinds of theatres such as in the Topeng dance, that was more about the mask dancing. In the video, there are five people in a circle on stage; the audiences are all around the stage which means each one of the actors face a direction, so the audiences would be able to see everything from the small details of the actors. As I mention, the actors are holding masks when they dance. Moving around from side to side with the music rhythm.

Then, I picked the most familiar one which is Cantonese Opera. Cantonese Opera has more apparent difference. For example: Cantonese Opera is more focusing on the makeup and words in each sentences. Also, in Cantonese Opera, there are different characters which represents different personalities. Depends on the clothing they wear or the makeup they put on, they will perform different personalities, so the audience can distinguish the characters.  The costume design is largely determined by sex, role, plot, personality, environment and occasion. Costumes are basically classified into python ceremonial robes, armor, gowns with sloping collars, coats and so on. Many actors should wear white basic makeup, and then they would add more details into the white faces. The majority of the actors will put a lot of blush on their faces and eyes.  In that time period, the government wanted to let the people to be educated, so the Opera was a great tool for people to learn. Moreover, the government was eager to let the people to be loyalty to China: Opera spread the culture and spirits. With the music on the background, everything seems more traditional.

I find the funniest theatre ever in the world theatres, but it’s not my investigation—Kathakali. I saw this through Ms.Guarino’s YouTube video. I think the makeup and the decorations of people are impressive. The main character sit in the downstage, so others could see his/her actions. Actors are using their body and facial expressions to convey the information to the audience, and I think that’s pretty amazing and impressive because they have to wear heavy makeup all day to perform the scenes. Not only putting on heavy makeup, they also have to put on fancy and colorful clothing. Also, the actors are painted to green frog. As people look to their right, they are going to find out the singer is behind the actor. When the singer is singing with the words and certain rhythm, the actors should do something as well.