Unit
in Theatre History Curriculum
Unit 5: Asian Theatre
Created by Drama Teacher Academy
7 lessons
theatre history
It’s important to step outside of Western Eurocentric Theatre. In this unit, we are going to focus on the Asian theatre forms that developed in China and Japan. Note: We acknowledge that a unit on Asian theatre that only covers the theatre origins of two countries does not represent Asia. To go beyond what is offered here please see the Diversity
Document.
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The overview lays out the objective, pacing, lesson structure, and assessment strategy for the unit.
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1Lesson 1Set the Stage for Chinese OperaIn this lesson, students will be introduced to the sociopolitical and cultural background to set the stage for Chinese opera. Students will then complete a research project and present on a specific Chinese topic. It’s important, especially with a type of theatre that may be unknown to students, to first research the background.
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2Lesson 2Chinese OperaIn this lesson, students will be introduced to Chinese opera and apply their knowledge through a choice board of activities.
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3Lesson 3Set the Stage for Japanese TheatreIn this lesson, students will be introduced to the sociopolitical and cultural background to set the stage for Japanese theatre. Students will then do research and present on a specific topic. It’s important, especially with a type of theatre that may be unknown to students, to first research the background.
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4Lesson 4Noh DramaIn this lesson, students will be introduced to Noh drama, the design, the character types, and plays. They will explore walking and gesturing like a Noh actor and apply their knowledge by creating a scene of opposites.
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5Lesson 5KabukiIn this lesson, students will be introduced to Kabuki, the staging, the plays, the acting style, makeup, and the all-important climatic pose—the mie. They will apply their knowledge by creating their own mie and walking like a Kabuki actor. Finally, they’ll create a mini modern-Kabuki scene.
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6Lesson 6Bunraku, Discussion, and ReflectionIn this lesson, students will be introduced to the elements of Bunraku and, if you choose, discuss the theatre of the unit and complete a unit reflection.
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7Lesson 7Culminating ActivityDecide how students will demonstrate their knowledge of the unit. A variety of activities are provided. You can choose to have all your students do the same activity, or allow students to choose how they demonstrate their knowledge. Rubrics are provided for each activity.
Standards Addressed
Grade 6 - Exploring Forms and Cultural Contexts
Grade 7 - Creating and Presenting
Grade 8 - Exploring Forms and Cultural Contexts
Grades 9 & 10 - Foundations - Responsible Practices
- C.3.2 identify and apply the skills and attitudes needed to perform various tasks and responsibilities in producing drama works (e.g., use active listening and cooperative problem-solving skills; practise punctuality; use tact in suggesting changes and improvements; demonstrate willingness to accept criticism and build consensus)
- C.3.3 demonstrate an understanding of theatre and audience etiquette, in both classroom and formal performance contexts (e.g., as a performer: show willingness to take direction and behave appropriately towards other actors; as a viewer: demonstrate respect for performers and other audience members by paying attention, not interrupting or talking, and applauding when appropriate)
Grades 9 & 10 - Foundations - Context and Influences
- C.2.1 identify ways in which dramatic expression and performance reflect communities and cultures, past and present (e.g., the prominence of socially and/or politically powerful characters in the drama of pre-industrial societies; the use of boy actors for female roles in Shakespearean theatre; the emphasis on religious themes in the drama of many cultures in different eras)
- C.2.2 describe how drama is used for various purposes in a range of social contexts (e.g., to express or celebrate group or community sentiments or values in street theatre or parades; to mark important historical or religious anniversaries of a country or culture; to raise awareness of social, environmental, and political issues; to explore personal relationships or social arrangements)
Grades 9 & 10 - Foundations - Concepts and Terminology
- C.1.1 identify the drama forms, elements, conventions, and techniques used in their own and others’ drama works, and explain how the various components are used, or can be used, to achieve specific effects, with a focus on ensemble drama works (e.g., how a comic drama form can be used to convey a serious message, how setting and time period can be used to sharpen the focus on a moral dilemma, how characters can be used to vary the mood within a drama)
- C.1.2 demonstrate an understanding of and use correct terminology to refer to the forms, elements, conventions, and techniques of drama, with a focus on ensemble drama works (e.g., chorus, protagonist, ingénue, supporting role, act, scene, climax, resolution, improvisation, mask, freeze-frame image)
Grades 9 & 10 - Reflecting, Responding and Analyzing - Drama and Society
- B.2.1 identify different types of drama and explain their function in diverse communities and cultures from the past and present (e.g., the function of television, film, or video game dramas with predictable plot lines and stock or stereotypical characters in today’s society; the function of theatre in ancient Greece, liturgical drama in medieval Europe, Shakespearean drama in Elizabethan England, and/or “social problem” dramas today)
- B.2.4 identify ways in which dramatic exploration contributes to their understanding of diverse cultures and traditions (e.g., identify insights they gained through exploring the role of ritual in Greek theatre and/or Aboriginal ceremonies)
Grades 9 & 10 - Reflecting, Responding and Analyzing - The Critical Analysis Process
- B.1.2 analyse a variety of drama works to compare and assess how they explore universal themes and issues (e.g., compare and contrast the handling of similar themes in dramatizations of folk tales, myths, legends, personal stories, and/or Aboriginal tales)
- B.1.3 identify aesthetic and technical aspects of drama works and explain how they help achieve specific dramatic purposes (e.g., write theatre or film reviews assessing whether the lighting, sound, set design, and costumes of a drama are used effectively to illustrate the intended message)
Grades 9 & 10 - Creating and Presenting - Elements and Conventions
Grade 11 - Foundations - Concepts and Terminology
Grade 11 - Reflecting, Responding and Analyzing - Drama and Society
Grade 11 - Reflecting, Responding and Analyzing - The Critical Analysis Process
Grade 11 - Creating and Presenting - Elements and Conventions
Grade 11 - Creating and Presenting - The Creative Process
Grade 12 - Foundations - Responsible Practices
Grade 12 - Reflecting, Responding and Analyzing - The Critical Analysis Process
Grade 12 - Creating and Presenting - The Creative Process
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