Asian theatre is usually studied from the perspective of the major traditions of China, Japan, India, and Indonesia. Now, looking at the contemporary theatre scene in Southeast Asia, this book shows that performance in some of the lesser known theatre traditions offers a vivid and fascinating picture of the rapidly changing societies in the region. The book examines how traditional, modern, and contemporary dramatic works are being presented for local audiences. It places performances in their historical and cultural contexts and also connects them to the social, political, linguistic, and rel ... More

Asian theatre is usually studied from the perspective of the major traditions of China, Japan, India, and Indonesia. Now, looking at the contemporary theatre scene in Southeast Asia, this book shows that performance in some of the lesser known theatre traditions offers a vivid and fascinating picture of the rapidly changing societies in the region. The book examines how traditional, modern, and contemporary dramatic works are being presented for local audiences. It places performances in their historical and cultural contexts and also connects them to the social, political, linguistic, and religious movements of the last two decades. Each chapter addresses theatre in a different country and highlights performances exhibiting the unique conditions and concerns of a particular place and time. Most performances revolve in some manner around “contemporary modernity,” questioning what it means—for good or ill—to be a part of the globalized world. Chapters are grouped by three general and overlapping themes. The first is characterized by the increased participation of women in the performing arts. The second is concerned with the effects of censorship on theatre production. A third is distinguished by a focus on nationalism. The book shows the many influences of the past and how the past continues to affect cultural perceptions. It addresses major trends, and underscores how theatre continues to attract new practitioners and reflect the changing aspirations and anxieties of societies in immediate and provocative ways even as it is being marginalized by television, film, and the internet.