Question 1

_____Which of the following is NOT a feature of Wayang Kulit?&#10;A) Flat leather puppets each of which have various perforations&#10;B) &#34;Waking&#34; the puppets&#10;C) Actors which interact with the puppets&#10;D) Performances that last all night long

Accepted Answer

Wayang Kulit is a traditional form of puppetry from Indonesia, in which flat leather puppets are intricately designed and perforated to cast shadows when back-lit. The performances typically last an entire night and are accompanied by music, narration, and sound effects from a gamelan orchestra. However, there is no interaction between human actors and the puppets in Wayang Kulit.

Question 2

_____Which Japanese theatre forms uses puppets as its main characters?&#10;A) Noh&#10;B) Kabuki&#10;C) Bunraku&#10;D) Kyogen

Accepted Answer

Bunraku is a Japanese theatre form that uses puppets as its main characters. It originated in Osaka in the 17th century and is still performed today. The puppets used in Bunraku are incredibly detailed and lifelike, requiring three puppeteers to operate them.

Question 3

_____Japanese playwrights continue to write Noh plays today

Accepted Answer

False

Question 4

_____ In a Kabuki performance a &#34;mie&#34; is:&#10;A) A seven stanza poem sung by one of the principal performers&#10;B) The distancing device of characters speaking of themselves in third-person&#10;C) A highly styled pose struck and held by the principal character

Accepted Answer

In a Kabuki performance, a "mie" is a highly styled pose struck and held by the principal character. It is meant to be a dramatic and climactic moment where the character freezes, often with a striking facial expression, to emphasize their emotional state or the significance of the scene.

Question 5

_____Beijing Opera has performance conventions similar to those of European opera, only the stories are derived from Chinese myths

Accepted Answer

Beijing Opera combines singing, speaking, acting, and acrobatics in a unique form that is quite different from European opera, which primarily focuses on music and singing. Beijing Opera also uses stylized movements, makeup, and costumes to tell stories, which is distinct from the conventions of European opera.

Question 6

_____In indigenous African performances, what is the least important aspect?&#10;A) Drumming&#10;B) Dialogue&#10;C) Dance&#10;D) Visual symbols

Accepted Answer

In indigenous African performances, dialogue is often seen as the least important aspect compared to the use of drumming, dance, and visual symbols. This is because the performance is often focused on the sensory experience rather than verbal communication. Communication is conveyed through movement and symbolism rather than words.

Question 7

_____Which of these is a Zen Buddhist principle that influenced Noh?&#10;A) Ultimate peace comes through union with all being&#10;B) Individual desire must be overcome&#10;C) Nothing in earthly life is permanent&#10;D) All of the above&#10;E) None of the above

Accepted Answer

All three options are Zen Buddhist principles that strongly influenced Noh theatre. The concept of ultimate peace through union with all being can be seen in Noh's emphasis on harmony and balance. The need to overcome individual desire is reflected in Noh's focus on selflessness and detachment. Finally, Noh's emphasis on the impermanence of life is a direct reflection of the Zen Buddhist concept of transience.

Question 8

_____ In African indigenous performances, audience participation is expected

Accepted Answer

Audience participation is a significant aspect of African indigenous performances, such as dances, music, and rituals. It is expected that the audience will join in with singing, dancing, and clapping.

Question 9

_____In Noh drama, the climactic moment is expressed in song

Accepted Answer

The answer of _____In Noh drama, the climactic moment is...

Question 10

_____ Colonialism had no effect on the cultural activity of North Africa

Accepted Answer

Colonialism had a significant effect on the cultural activity of North Africa, influencing and shaping various aspects such as languages, religions, art, and literature.

Question 11

_____The Strong Breeds reflects cultural traditions of what Yoruba festival?&#10;A) Glee&#10;B) Kyogen&#10;C) Egungen&#10;D) Samisen&#10;True/False

Accepted Answer

The answer of _____The Strong Breeds reflects cultural traditions of...

Question 12

_____The staging conventions used in Strong Breed are much the same as those found in European and American theatres

Accepted Answer

The answer of _____The staging conventions used in Strong Breed...

Question 13

_____The play Shrine in the Fields is what type of Noh play?&#10;A) A God play&#10;B) A Woman play&#10;C) A Madness play&#10;D) A Demon play

Accepted Answer

The answer of _____The play Shrine in the Fields is...

Question 14

In a short essay address the differences between indigenous African theatre and its contemporary Western counterpart. In particular, address the primary forms of communication used and the role of the audience.

Accepted Answer

The answer of In a short essay address the differences...

Question 15

In a long essay compare the focus of Noh drama, its stage and performance conventions to those of the medieval drama and theatre (for example, one might compare The Shrine in the Fields to Noah and His Sons and their staging practices and performance conventions). In what ways are these two forms alike? In what ways are they different? Address what you see as the basic reasons for any differences and similarities you may find.

Accepted Answer

The answer of In a long essay compare the focus...

Question 16

_____ Athol Fugard was the first African playwright to be honored with a Nobel prize for literature

Accepted Answer

The answer of _____ Athol Fugard was the first African...

Deck 10: Asian and African Theatre