Topics in East Asian Performance Cultures: Gender in East Asian Theatre and Performance

This course explores the constructions of gender within traditional and modern East Asian performing arts, with particular attention to cultural values, identities, and sensibilities revealed through various theatrical expressions. Genres to be studied include Chinese opera xiqu, revolutionary ballet, and spoken drama huaju, Japanese kabuki and Takarazuka Theatre, and Japanese modern drama, Korean narrative song form p'ansori and opera changgeuk, Korean new theatre shin'guk and modern dance, contemporary East Asian queer performances, among others. Consideration of gender in performance will address 1) narrative of the form, 2) persona of the character, 3) identity of the performer, and 4) role of the audience. As part of this study, students will explore the cultural specificity embedded in various forms of East Asian theatre and performance through the lens of gender. A second interest lies in the applicability of Western models of gender, culture, and performance studies for the domain of the arts and for East Asia as a cultural region. The seminar approach will be interdisciplinary with extensive use of written, visual, and audial materials. Class combines lecture and discussion. Readings include critical, historical, literary, and descriptive writing about various genres of performing arts. All readings are in English translation. Prerequisites: None

Course Attributes: AS HUM; AS LCD; EN H; FA HUM; AR HUM

Topics in East Asian Performance Cultures: Gender in East Asian Theatre and Performance

JAPANESE 3270

Section 01