Theatre in Southeast Asia

by James R. Brandon

Overview

An astonishing variety of theatrical performances may be seen in the eight countries of Southeast Asia—Burma, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam. James Brandon spent more than three years observing and interviewing troupe members in these countries. He describes twenty-five of the most important theatrical forms, grouping them according to their origins as folk, court, popular, or Western theatre. He considers the theatre from four perspectives: its origins, its art, its role as a social institution, and its function as a medium of communication and propaganda. Brandon’s wide-ranging and lively discussion points out interesting similarities and differences among the countries, and many of his superb photographs are included here.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780674875876
Publisher:	Harvard University Press
Publication date:	01/01/1967
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	448
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.25(h) x 1.05(d)

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

Part I: A Historical Background

2. The Cultural Setting

3. The Development of Theatre Genres

4. Traditions of Theatre

Part II: Theatre as Art

5. Drama

6. Music and Dance

7. Production

8. Transmission of Theatre Art

Part III: Theatre as an Institution

9. Extent and Distribution

10. Theatre and the Social Contract

11. The Troupe

12. Economics

13. The Audience

14. Social Status of Troupes

Part IV: Theatre as Communication

15. Past and Present

16. Theatre and Other Mass Media

17. Theatre and the Communication Process

Appendix: Major Theatre Genres as Performed in 1964

Bibiliography

Notes

Glossary

Index

Editorial Reviews

A most welcome and long awaited first survey… [A]n immensely entertaining and readable style.

Choice

A masterpiece of knowledge.

The Village Voice

A compendium of information and a valuable contribution of its kind… [A]n excellent text for Asian background courses and it goes without saying that for theatre students it is an essential source of reference. Even those Olympians, the sociologists, will find grist for their mills… [I]t is one of those works we can expect to find quoted and requoted.

Modern Language Journal