- Mask and Movement: Symbolic Theater of East and West

Institution:

The Evergreen State College

Subject:

Description:

Faculty: Rose Jang (theater); Ratna Roy (dance) Major areas of study include theater, dance, performing arts, anthropology, intercultural communication and writing. Class Standing: This lower-division program is designed for 50 percent freshmen and 50 percent sophomores. Prerequisites: Two quarters of a coordinated studies program or freshman composition and writing. All theaters are symbolic, but in this program, we are trying to explore only those which purposefully incorporate symbolic, abstract physical expressions as major hallmarks of their style. All theaters are symbolic, because the origin of theater can be found in symbolic gesturing and dance movements of the ancient time in direct communication with the spiritual realm. Masks were frequently used in ancient symbolic performances to suggest natural spirits or supernatural powers in possession of the body. Through history and across the globe, theatrical performances focused on the symbolic quality of face and movement and have continued to engage our joy, interest and imagination as both theater goers and practitioners. In this program, we will study many theaters of East and West whose masterful use of masks or movements or both have kept the flaring sparks and deep spirit of ancient rituals alive. In the Eastern tradition, we will look at such enduring performance and aesthetic practices of symbolism as in Indian dances, Chinese opera and Japanese Noh theater as well as their contemporary metamorphoses in the hands of new theater artists of the East. In the Western tradition, we will study equally powerful and everlasting traditions of stylized movements and mask use tracing through Greek theater, Roman theater, commedia dell'arte, mime, theater of carnivals and clownery, all the way to the modern experiments by Peter Brook, Robert Wilson and Ariane Mnouchkine. Students will read about these traditions and artists, watch films of the works they are studying, and participate in workshops incorporating various different aesthetics and performance styles. After intense reading, reflective writing, viewing and workshop exercises for the first six weeks of the quarter, students will have the opportunity to create their own symbolic theater pieces using masks and movements. Using their works, they will then collaborate to create an end-of-quarter public production, focused more on movement and imagination than on the technical trappings of the stage. Total: 16 credits. Enrollment: 46 Special Expenses: Approximately $100 for tickets to theater and dance performances. Program is preparatory for careers and future studies in theater, dance, performing arts, anthropology and cultural studies. This program is also listed under Expressive Arts. A similar program is expected to be offered in 2009-10.

Credits:

16.00

Credit Hours:

Prerequisites:

Corequisites:

Exclusions:

Level:

Instructional Type:

Lecture

Notes:

Additional Information:

Historical Version(s):

Institution Website:

www.evergreen.edu

Phone Number:

(360) 867-6170

Regional Accreditation:

Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

Calendar System:

Quarter

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