Theatre dissertation examples

Bunraku & Kathakali theatrical traditions

Many explorations into the realm of theater arts have produced various discoveries, which have helped theater devotees make connections never seen before between theater traditions not only from different parts of the world, but with different means of origin. Any such exploration is vital to theatrical research and practice as it not only adds value to theatrical study, but it also may provide an opportunity for two or more theatrical traditions to blend into one exhibition of carefully investigated research.

The following research presentation examines two very different and diverse theatrical practices: Bunraku Theater, from seventeenth century Japan, and Kathakali Dance-Drama, from seventeenth century southern India. In this examination of Bunraku and Kathakali theatrical traditions, this research paper is an exploration of the cultural evolution of each tradition and a reflection on the development of additional performer roles and the element of movement in both of these practices.

Bunraku Theater is a traditional form of Puppet Theater that originated in Japan. Initially, ‘Bunraku’ was the name of the theater where ningyo-joruri (puppets and storytelling) was performed in. Gradually, this name evolved and became to be the name associated with the art of ningyo-joruri itself. (“What is Bunraku?”) Today, ‘Bunraku’ is the official name of Puppet Theater in Japan. Textual styles in Bunraku involve a high degree of drama, whereas most puppet-oriented theatrical traditions simply rely on simple myths and legends as a foundation for their texts. Most puppet-based theater practices around the world also usually hide the puppeteers involved in the drama. In Bunraku, however, the puppeteers are shown to the audience along with the puppets. (“What is Bunraku?”)

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