INDIAN CLASSICAL THEATRE, DANCE & DANCE-DRAMA
This is a take-home exam, due to me during the class period on Thursday 3/3/05.
You may refer to your class notes, handouts, class website and class reading material in completing this examination. Your exam should reflect your own thinking, insights and aesthetic responses.
Undergraduates (TH 404) - You are expected to answer 1 question.
Graduate Students (TH 504) - You are expected to answer 2 questions.
This exam is worth 20% of your final grade.
1. Religion and theatre are intimately interwoven in Indian society. How have
changes in the predominant religions affected the history of Indian theatre
& dance? How have religious beliefs helped to shape Indian theatre forms?
Please cite examples from the videos we have seen in class that illustrate your
points.
2. What literary tradition is the basis of most Indian drama and dance? How
is the literary heritage used in creating theatre & dance performances?
Discuss the effect of a common epic literary tradition on the formation of
dramatic genres. Is there a parallel in Western-European based theatre?
3. India is a culturally and linguistically diverse country. How has this
affected its theatrical and dance tradition? Discuss specific examples from the
theatrical forms we have studied. As a non-native, how do you experience the
performance forms? Do they communicate to you in an engaging way?
4. Classical Indian dance and dance drama are highly religious in nature. How is the devotional aspect of the performance communicated to the audience? Explore the idea of religious belief and dance. Compare the classical Indian dance forms with classical European ballet. What are the dominant emotions, feelings, use of body of each dance form? Compare & contrast.
