8

ARTS
Quarter 4 - Module 2

SELECTED FESTIVALS AND

THEATRICAL FORMS OF
ASIA

i
Introduction
The following are some reminders in using this module:

1. Use the module with care. Do not put unnecessary mark/s on any part of the
module. Use a separate sheet of paper in answering the exercises.
2. Don’t forget to answer What I Know before moving on to the other activities
included in this module.
3. Read the instructions carefully before doing each task.
4. Observe honesty and integrity in doing the tasks and checking your answers.
5. Finish the task at hand before proceeding to the next.
6. Return this module to your teacher/facilitator once you are through with it.

If you encounter any difficulty in answering the tasks in this module, do not hesitate to
consult your teacher or facilitator. Always bear in mind that you are not alone.

We hope that through this material, you will experience meaningful learning and gain
deep understanding of the relevant competencies. You can do it!

About the Module

This module was designed and written with you in mind. It is here to help you learn about the
selected festivals and theatrical of Asia. The scope of this module permits it to be used in
many different learning situations. The language used recognizes the diverse vocabulary level
of students. The lessons are arranged to follow the standard sequence of the course. But the
order in which you read them can be changed to correspond with the textbook you are now
using.

This module has one lesson, namely:

Lesson 1 – Chinese Peking Opera and Kabuki of Japan

1
 What I Know

Instructions: Answer the questions below and write the letter of your choice on a
separate sheet of paper. (Write your name, grade, section, the module title and
number).

_____ 1. These are the props always seen in Peking Opera.

A. Bed and pillows
B. Chairs and tables
C. Drums and cymbals
D. Wood blocks and sticks

_____2. It is the performance element that includes both acrobatics and fighting with
all manner of weaponry in Peking Opera.
A. combat B. dance-acting C. song D. speech

_____ 3. What is the meaning of red color on make up in Peking Opera?

A. Denotes evil C. Suspicious and craftiness
B. Denotes integrity D. Roughness and fierceness

_____ 4. It is known as the traditional theater art form of China.

A. Kabuki B. Peking Opera C. Nang Shadow D. Wayang Kulit

_____ 5. What is TRUE about Peking Opera training?

A. Pupils were often handpicked at a young age.
B. Pupils trained for seven years on contract from their parents.
C. Students rose at as early as five o’clock in the morning for exercises.
D. All of the above.

_____ 6. Below are Sheng characters of Peking Opera EXCEPT;

A. Chou B. Laosheng C. Wusheng D.Xiaosheng

_____ 7. It is the Japanese traditional drama.

A. Kabuki B. Peking Opera C. Nang Shadow D. Wayang Kulit

_____ 8. It is the Japanese terminology which means male roles?

A. Aragoto B. Onna-gata C. Suppon D. Hanamichi

_____ 9. Below are parts of the stage in Japan’s Kabuki theater. What platforms that
raises the performers?
A. Hanamichi B. Kogakudo C. Mawaro butal D. Suppon

2
_____10. What does the female character in Kabuki wear?
A. Balinese costume C. Saya and Barong
B. Kimono and obi D. Xingtou

_____11. There are three main categories of Kabuki play. What category refers to
dance pieces?
A. Jidaimono B. Sewamono C. Shosagoto D. Xingtou

_____ 12. What is TRUE about the makeup of Kabuki?

A. It is one of the most iconic parts of Kabuki.
B. The colors and lines that are used tells what kind of character they perform.
C. Actors apply their own makeup by painting their faces and necks white, red,
black or blue.
D. All of the above.

_____13. There are five acts of Kabuki play what act does not belong to the group?
A. Ha B. Jo C. Kyu D. Seh

_____ 14. Costume changing in Kabuki is considered as an art.

A. The statement is correct.
B. The statement is wrong.
C. The statement is related to Peking Opera.
D. The statement is related to Heroes of Kabuki.

_____ 15. What is TRUE about Chou?

A. An actor often involved with beautiful women.
B. It plays secondary role whose name means ugly.
C. A painted face male who plays primary or secondary role.
D. None of the above.

3
 Chinese Peking Opera and
Lesson Kabuki of Japan
1

What I Need To Know

At the end of this lesson, you are expected to:

● name the different roles and characters of Chinese Opera and Kabuki of Japan;
● understand the functions of staging and costumes of Chinese Opera and
Kabuki of Japan; and
● appreciate the arts and elements used in Chinese theater and Kabuki through
a reflective essay.

What’s In

Activity 1.1: “Tan-awon pag-ayo ang atong padulngan”

Instruction: Based on the picture below,

create your own title of a play and share your
thoughts about it. Write your answer on a
separate sheet of paper.

https://tinyurl.com/pekingoperapicture
Criteria Excellent (15) Good (10) Fair (7) Needs Improvement (5)
Content or Ideas The message or The message or The message The message or
content is content is a little or content is content is not
relevant to appropriate to appropriate to applicable to the
question. the question the question. question.
Sentence Sentences are well Sentences are Sentences are Sentence construction
Construction constructed, and well not well has to be improved.
structure invites constructed, and constructed.
expressive structure is
reading.
good.

4
 What’s New/ What is it?

Chinese Peking Opera

(Adapted from Music and Arts of Asia Learner’s Module)

Peking Opera is also known as Beijing opera which combines music, vocal
performance, pantomime, dance, and acrobatics. It became extremely popular and
came to be regarded as one of the cultural treasures of China.

During trainings of the opera, students were handpicked at a young age by a teacher
and trained for seven years on contract from child’s parents. After 1911, training took
place in more formally organized schools. Students of these schools rose as early as
five o’clock in the morning for exercises. Daytime was spent learning the skills of acting
and combat, and senior students performed in outside theaters in the evening.

Roles and Characters of Peking Opera

A. Sheng – the main male role in Peking Opera

Xiaosheng – actors are often involved with beautiful

women by virtue of the handsome and young image they
project.

https://tinyurl.com/xiaosheng

Wusheng – is a martial character for roles involving

combat. They are highly trained in acrobatics and have a
natural voice when singing.

https://tinyurl.com/wusheng

5
 Laosheng- is a dignified older role. These characters have
a gentle and cultivated disposition, and wear sensible
costumes.

https://tinyurl.com/laosheng

B. Dan – refers to female role in Peking Opera

Laodan – an old woman Wudan – a

martial woman

https://tinyurl.com/Laodanpeking https://tinyurl.com/wudanpeking

Daomadan- are young Qingyi- are

female warriors virtuous and
and elite women

https://tinyurl.com/daomadan https://tinyurl.com/qingyipeking

Huadan- are vivacious and unmarried woman

https://tinyurl.com/hudanpeking

6
 C. Jing – is painted face male role who plays
either primary or secondary roles. This type of
role entails a forceful character, which means
that a Jing actor must have a strong voice and
be able to exaggerate gestures. The red color
denotes loyalty and goodness, white denotes
evil, and black denotes integrity.

https://tinyurl.com/jingpeking

D. Chou – is a male clown role. The

Chou usually plays secondary roles whose
name also means “ugly”. It reflects the
traditional belief that the clown’s
combination of ugliness and laughter could
drive away evil spirits.

https://tinyurl.com/choupeking

Peking Opera performers utilize four main skills such as song, speech, dance-acting
and combat.

Staging and Costumes

The stage normally has square platforms and are visible at least on three sides.
Modern stages are divided into two parts with an embroidered curtain called shoujiu.

The costumes of the opera is called Xingtou or xifu in Chinese. They enable the
audience to distinguish a character’s sex and status at first glance, give expression
between good or evil or loyal and wicked characters.

The props are just few. These are sedan chairs, vehicle flags, oars, and horsewhips,
as well as weapons.

Musicians are visible to the audience on the front part of the stage. The viewers are
always seated south of the stage, therefore, north is the most important direction. The
performers immediately move to the center north upon entering the stage. All
characters enter from the east and exit form the west.

7
Kabuki of Japan
(Adapted from Music and Arts of Asia Learner’s Module)

Kabuki is a form of traditional Japanese drama with highly stylized song, mime, and
dance, now performed only by male actors. It is interpreted as “ka” for song, “bu” for
dance, and “ki” for art/skill.

Kabuki theater is known for the stylization of its drama and for the elaborate makeup
worn by some of its performers. Kabuki is translated as “the art of singing and
dancing.” It is believed to derived from the verb kabuki meaning “to lean” or “to be out
of ordinary.” Kabuki can be bizarre” theater. The expression kabukimono referred
originally to those who were bizarrely dressed and paraded on a street.

The Kabuki Stage Features

Hanamichi – a flower path, a walkway which extends into audience via which dramatic
entrances and exits are made; Okuni also performs on a hanamachi stage with her
entourage.

Kogakudo – it has stages both in front of the audience and along the sides help create
a bond between the actors and viewers.

Mawaro butal- the interior of the theater contains a revolving stage

Suppon - a platform that rises from below the stage

Hanamicho- a walkway that cuts through the audience seating area to connect the
stage with the back of the theater.Magicians and supernatural beings often make their
entrances from trap doors in the hanamachi. Some stages have 17 trapdoors.

The Three Main Categories of the Kabuki Play

Jidaimono – historical or pre-Sengoko period stories

Sewamono – domestic or post-Sengoko stories
Shosagoto – dance pieces

Elements of Kabuki

Mie – actor holds a picturesque pose to establish his character and his house name
yago, is sometimes heard in a loud shout from an expert audience member, serving
both to express and enhance the audience’s appreciation of the actor’s achievement.
An even compliment can be paid by shouting the name of the actor’s father Kesho.

8
Actors are separated into two main categories: Onna-gata refer to the female roles
and Aragoto refer to the male roles. Most main characters in Kabuki plays are
aragoto, because of its super stylized masculine, heroic style.
Makeup is also one of the most iconic parts of Kabuki. Actors apply their own makeup
by painting their faces and necks white, then adding stylized lines in red, black, or
blue. The colors and lines that are used tells what kind of character is being performed.
Red and blue are usually aragoto roles, onna-gata playing young women have very
little paint.

https://tinyurl.com/japanesekabuki

Kabuki makeup provides an element of style easily recognize even by those unfamiliar
with the art form. Rice powder is used to create the white oshiroi base for the
characteristics stage makeup, and kumadori enhances or exaggerates facial lines to
produce dramatic animal or supernatural character.

The play occupies five acts. The first corresponds to jo, an auspicious and slow
opening which introduces the audience to the characters and the plot. Ha, speeding
events up, culminating almost always in a great moment of drama or tragedy in the
third act and possible a battle in the second and/or fourth acts. Kyu, is almost always
short, providing a quick and satisfying conclusion.

Kabuki props are often interesting. Flowing water is usually represented by fluttering
rolls of linen; or creatures like insects and foxes. Props often have symbolic meanings.
Fans are used to symbolize wind, a sword, a tobacco pipe, waves, or food.

Costumes are swung from sticks or manipulated by helpers who come on stage
dressed in black hooded robesso; they are invisible to the audience. The female
characters generally wear an elaborate kimono and obi. Pleated hakuma trousers are
worn by characters of sexes. Actors playing both sexes often have a supported midriff
because a straight and curve less figure are regarded the essence of beauty.

Costume changing is considered as an art. There are special terms that take care of
complete and partial costume changes and are done as part of the performances.

9
Wigs are important accessories, with each costume having its own type. Specialized
craftsmen shape the wigs to the head. Wigs are made of human hair, horse hair, bear
fur, or yak-tail hair imported from Tibet.

What I Have Learned

Keep in Mind
Peking Opera is a traditional theater art form of China. It is based on Chinese
history; folklore and contemporary life. The characters performing are Sheng, the male
role and Dan, the female role along with Jing the painted face and Chou, the male
clown.

Kabuki is a traditional Japanese drama with highly stylized song, mime and
dance performed only by male actors. It was performed in full- day time.

What I Can Do

Activity 1.2 “ Hunahuna-a ug Pagmata na”

Instructions: A bible verse below is for you to reflect how important discipline is as
greatly seen to the performers of Chinese Peking Opera. Write a short reflection about
this verse on a separate sheet of paper.

“ I will instruct you, and teach you in the way which you shall go, I will guide you
with my own eyes” – Psalm 32:8

Criteria Excellent (15) Good (10) Fair (7) Needs Improvement

(5)
Content or Ideas The message or The message or The message The message or
content is content is a little or content is content is not
relevant to appropriate to appropriate to applicable to the
question. the question the question. question.
Sentence Sentences are well Sentences are Sentences are Sentence construction
Construction constructed, and well not well has to be improved.
structure invites constructed, and constructed.
expressive structure is
reading.
good.

10
 Assessment

Instructions: Answer the questions below and write the letter of your choice on a separate
sheet of paper. (Write your name, grade, section, the module title and number).
_____ 1. Costume changing in Kabuki is considered as an art.
A. The statement is correct.
B. The statement is wrong.
C. The statement is related to Peking Opera.
D. The statement is related to Heroes of Kabuki.

_____2. What is TRUE about Chou?

A. An actor often involved with beautiful women.
B. It plays secondary role whose name means ugly.
C. A painted face male who plays primary or secondary role.
D. None of the above.

_____ 3. What is TRUE about Peking Opera training?

A. Pupils were often handpicked at a young age.
B. Pupils trained for seven years on contract form their parents.
C. Students rose at as early as five o’clock in the morning for exercises.
D. All of the above.

_____ 4. It is known as the traditional theater art form of China.

A. Kabuki B. Peking Opera C. Nang Shadow D. Wayang Kulit

_____ 5. It is the Japanese traditional drama.

A. Kabuki B. Peking Opera C. Nang Shadow D. Wayang Kulit

_____ 6. Below are Sheng characters of Peking Opera EXCEPT;

A. Chou B. Laosheng C. Wusheng D.Xiaosheng

_____ 7. What is the meaning of red color on make up in Peking Opera?

A. Denotes evil C. Suspicious and craftiness
B. Denotes integrity D. Roughness and fierceness

_____ 8. It is the Japanese terminology which means male roles?

A. Aragoto B. Onna-gata C. Suppon D. Hanamichi

_____ 9. Below are parts of the stage in Japan’s Kabuki theater. What platforms that
raises the performers?
A. Hanamichi B. Kogakudo C. Mawaro butal D. Suppon

11
_____10. What does the female character in Kabuki wear?
A. Balinese costume C. Saya and Barong
B. Kimono and obi D. Xingtou

_____11. There are three main categories of Kabuki play. What category refers to
dance pieces?
A. Jidaimono B. Sewamono C. Shosagoto D. Xingtou

_____ 12. What is TRUE about the makeup of Kabuki?

A. It is one of the most iconic parts of Kabuki.
B. The colors and lines that are used tells what kind of character they perform.
C. Actors apply their own makeup by painting their faces and necks white, red,
black or blue.
D. All of the above.

_____13. There are five acts of Kabuki play what act does not belong to the group?
A. Ha B. Jo C. Kyu D. Seh

_____ 14. These are the props always seen in Peking Opera.
A. Bed and pillows
B. Chairs and tables
C. Drums and cymbals
D. Wood blocks and sticks

_____ 15. It is the performance element that includes both acrobatics and fighting with
all manner of weaponry in Peking Opera.
A. combat B. dance-acting C. song D. speech

12
References
TEXTBOOK
Anido, B. et.al (2013). Music and Arts of Asia Learner’s Module 8. Book Media Press
Inc. with Printwell Inc. Mandaluyong City. Pp 333-393

WEBSITES
Jing image retrieved from https://tinyurl.com/jingpeking on May 13, 2021
Chou image retrieved from https://tinyurl.com/choupeking on May 13, 2021
Laosheng image retrieved from https://tinyurl.com/laosheng on May 13, 2021
Quinqi image retrieved from https://tinyurl.com/qingyipeking on May 13, 2021
Hudan image retrieved from https://tinyurl.com/hudanpeking on May 13, 2021
Xiaosheng image retrieved from https://tinyurl.com/xiaosheng on May 13, 2021
Laodan image retrieved from https://tinyurl.com/Laodanpeking on May 13, 2021
Wudan image retrieved from https://tinyurl.com/wudanpeking on May 13, 2021
Daomadan image retrieved from https://tinyurl.com/daomadan on May 13, 2021
Wusheng image retrieved from https://tinyurl.com/wusheng on May 13, 2021
Peking costume image retrieved from https://tinyurl.com/pekingcostume on May 13, 2021
Japanese Kabuki image retrieved from https://tinyurl.com/japanesekabuki on May 17, 2021
Peking Opera stage image retrieved from https://tinyurl.com/pekingoperastage on May 13, 2021
Peking Opera picture image retrieved from https://tinyurl.com/pekingoperapicture on May 13, 2021

Congratulations!
You are now ready for the next module. Always remember the following:

1. Make sure every answer sheet has your

▪ Name
▪ Grade and Section
▪ Title of the Activity or Activity No.
2. Follow the date of submission of answer sheets as agreed with your
teacher.
3. Keep the modules with you and return them at the end of the school year
or whenever face-to-face interaction is permitted.

13