2.1 ORIGIN It is thought that the first theatrical performances arose from rituals and religious ceremonies. These ceremonies were coupled with myths or stories. Over time, the myths themselves separated from the ritual aspect and soon were performed for the primary purpose of telling a story. The earliest example of theater is thought to have occurred in ancient Egypt. Ancient cultures in Greece, India, and China also had early forms of theatrical performance. 2.1.1 CULTURAL EVOLUTION OF THEATER Western theater history traces its origins back to the theater of the ancient Greeks. Surviving Greek tragedies and comedies are still performed by theaters across the world today, translated into many different languages or in some cases adapted to …show more content…
This stage is called the orchestra, because it is the place where the chorus sing and dance. Epidaurus, built in about 340 BC, provides the best example of a classical Greek theatre. In the centre of the orchestra is the stone base on which an altar stood, reflecting the religious aspect of theatre in Greece. The rising tiers of seats, separated by aisles, provide the pattern for the closest part of the auditorium to the stage in nearly all subsequent theatres - where these seats are still sometimes called the orchestra …show more content…
The first is Noh theater, which is the oldest form. The second is Kabuki theater, which began in the 1600s, during the Edo period. Noh theater is generally considered to be aristocratic. The actors wear masks and elaborate costumes. A key part of a Noh performance is the specific, stylized choreography of the main character. Zeami was one of the most well-known and celebrated Noh playwright and performer. Compared to Noh, Kabuki has much humbler origins. The first Kabuki performance was danced by a woman, Okuni. In the 1600s, Kabuki theater was typically performed in the red light district and featured themes that were considerably less refined than those of Noh theater. Both forms are still enjoyed in contemporary Japan and around the