Asian Theater (India)

Question 1

True or False: Early forms and performances of Indian theater include recitation, singing, and dancing.

Answer 1

True.

Question 2

This person wrote Natyashastra, a book which describes a theory of theatrical performance based on style and motion.

Answer 2

Bharata Muni. He said that the god Brahma led him to write it, so he claimed that theatre stems from the gods and teaches about duty.

Question 3

This type of play depicts historical stories of gods, demons, and royalty with sweeping themes of the divine and mythology.

Answer 3

Natakas. This is also likened with Aristotelian tragedy, except they end it with resolving cosmic order.

Question 4

A type of Indian play that focuses on invented characters living their daily lives.

Answer 4

Prakarana. These plays are closely related to Aristotelian comedy.

Question 5

The idea of artistic experience described in Natyashastra.

Answer 5

Rasa. Its key factor is awareness. A spectator must be conscious of what he/she is watching and not be lost in the moment.

Question 6

True or False: Indian theater has two (2) periods: the traditional period, and the modern period.

Answer 6

False. There are three (3): Classical-Traditional-Modern

Question 7

Natyashastra was part of what period?

Answer 7

Classical

Question 8

He is often considered as the Indian Shakespeare.

Answer 8

Kalidasa

Question 9

An Indian playwright known for a Sanskrit comedy called Mricchakatika (The Little Clay Cart).

Answer 9

Shudraka

Question 10

This period introduced the use of regional languages, improvisation, and a pastoral sensibility to the stage.

Answer 10

traditional period.

Question 11

This period is marked by the influence of Western theatre and the proscenium stage.

Answer 11

Modern period. Realism and life of the common man were also added to the Indian folklore theater.

Question 12

A prominent Indian playwright of the 1960’s.

Answer 12

Girish Karnad