LLEA 33301 - Love and Death in Traditional Japanese Drama

Institution:

University of Notre Dame

Subject:

East Asian Lang & Lit

Description:

In this course we will explore the themes of love and death in the three main forms of traditional Japanese theater: Noh, Kabuki, and Bunraku (puppet theater). We will begin with the medieval Noh theater, which evolved out of a variety of performing arts and reached maturity in the fifteenth century under the patronage of the warrior aristocracy. In an effort to create an atmosphere of mystery and beauty, these plays transformed episodes from folk tales, courtly romances, and military epics into highly stylized dance-dramas imbued with the austere aesthetic of Zen Buddhism. For the remainder of the course, we will study Kabuki (a theater of live actors) and Bunraku. These two rival forms of popular entertainment first appeared in the 17th century as part of a new and lively urban culture. This was the 'floating world' (ukiyo) of teahouses, brothels and theaters, where townsmen mingled with samurai in the pursuit of pleasure and spectacle, and where Kabuki actors became the first 'superstar' celebrities. We will focus on plays by Chikamatsu Monzaemon (1653-1725), the 'Japanese Shakespeare,' who wrote for both Kabuki and Bunraku. Plays such as The Love Suicides at Sonezaki (1703) Gonza the Lancer (1717), and The Woman-killer and the Hell of Oil (1721), bring to life tragic tales of star-crossed lovers, adulterous wives, and murdering ne'er-do-wells. In addition to reading and discussing selected plays, students will view scenes from modern performances and from modern film adaptations. All readings will be in English translation and no previous knowledge of Japan is required.

Credits:

3.00

Credit Hours:

Prerequisites:

Corequisites:

Exclusions:

Level:

Instructional Type:

Lecture

Notes:

Additional Information:

Historical Version(s):

Institution Website:

www.nd.edu

Phone Number:

(574) 631-5000

Regional Accreditation:

North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

Calendar System:

Semester

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