Theatre History: Pre-History Around the World by Kate Alexander https://padlet.com/Miss_Kate_Alexander/ki1o1j9pjmtd099b Post your findings from the culture you researched up until the 5th Century BC en-us 2022-01-08 20:46:02 UTC 2024-12-01 19:26:15 UTC hello@padlet.com Rome, Italië https://padlet.com/Miss_Kate_Alexander/ki1o1j9pjmtd099b/wish/1987482211 Theater in ancient Rome which include theatrical practice and performance can be traced back to the 4th century BC. It was generally seperated in two genres of tragedy and comedy and was conveyed to the audience purely as a form of entertainment and control. When it came to the Romans' expectations of theatre "spectacle" became essential. During this time, it was safe to say that theater represented important aspects of Roman society. ]]> 2022-01-12 04:40:34 UTC https://padlet.com/Miss_Kate_Alexander/ki1o1j9pjmtd099b/wish/1987482211 Rome, Italië hasselouagebca https://padlet.com/Miss_Kate_Alexander/ki1o1j9pjmtd099b/wish/1987488760
Theater in ancient Rome which include theatrical practice and performance can be traced back to the 4th century BC. It was generally seperated in two genres of tragedy and comedy and was conveyed to the audience purely as a form of entertainment and control. When it came to the Romans' expectations of theatre "spectacle" became essential. During this time, it was safe to say that theater represented important aspects of Roman society. 

]]> 2022-01-12 04:46:42 UTC https://padlet.com/Miss_Kate_Alexander/ki1o1j9pjmtd099b/wish/1987488760 Ireland - Jenna Lumpkin jennalumpkinbca https://padlet.com/Miss_Kate_Alexander/ki1o1j9pjmtd099b/wish/1989273262 Druids were an educated group within the Celtic people, getting their name from the Gaelic word "doire", which means "oak tree". A symbol of wisdom. Druids' roles' in ancient celtic times were something like a priest and teacher and philosopher. They held great power in society and also acted as judge in some instances. As in many cultures, this kind of religious group shared tradition and story with its people. Nothing was written down, they shared their traditions orally and the stories of the druids continued to be passed on for generations to come.]]> 2022-01-12 23:35:58 UTC https://padlet.com/Miss_Kate_Alexander/ki1o1j9pjmtd099b/wish/1989273262 China ThaniMagnuson https://padlet.com/Miss_Kate_Alexander/ki1o1j9pjmtd099b/wish/1989393255 Unsurprisingly, given its deep history, China had various forms of dancing / performance going back almost two thousand years BC (and that's just that we know of). Dance was and in many ways still is, at the core of a lot (if not most) of their dramatic expression. Like a lot of other cultures, dances initially seemed to be mostly ritualistic / religious in nature, but during the one thousand years directly before the change from BC to AD there was a split between "Yayue" dancing - more formal, in courts and temples and wound up in Confucianism and approved by priests of Confucianism, and more popular, comedic, and chaotic dance forms that happened out in the streets and with the broader public.

During this 1000 years, one of the most recognizable of Chinese dance forms and characteristics developed, the "long sleeve dances" that have been built upon and kept and are still being performed. You can see a clip attached.]]> 2022-01-13 01:37:59 UTC https://padlet.com/Miss_Kate_Alexander/ki1o1j9pjmtd099b/wish/1989393255 Cairo, Egypt daniellianjoy https://padlet.com/Miss_Kate_Alexander/ki1o1j9pjmtd099b/wish/1989434651 Ancient Egypt is filled with a rich history. One of the major ways ancient Egyptians engaged in the arts was through dance. While much of the style of dancing is speculative, dance was a big part of Ancient Egypt’s culture. Depictions and drawing of dancers exist on largly tombs or murals, the first depictions dating back to before 3000 BC. Dances were performed for a variety of occasions, often in spiritual rituals specifically to worship their gods—Hathor, Ra, most notably—as well as funeral dances, rites of passage or even in hopes of producing magical effects.










]]> 2022-01-13 02:12:09 UTC https://padlet.com/Miss_Kate_Alexander/ki1o1j9pjmtd099b/wish/1989434651 Egypt martinhoferbca https://padlet.com/Miss_Kate_Alexander/ki1o1j9pjmtd099b/wish/1989441183 Tino Hofer

There was written literature intended for performance in ancient Egypt. This site talks about how oral and written literature were created simultaneously; not, like it is usually taught, first orally, then written down. They both inspired each other.

"[...] ancient Egypt displays various relationships between written and oral literature. Works composed in writing were intended for performance [...]" (Miller II)

I find that interesting because I think that we have a big gap between a written and a spoken word today, compared to our ancestors in the bible, who were so familiar with a story that it wouldn't really matter if it was written down or not because it was basically one and the same.

Works Cited:
Miller II, Robert D. “Orality and Performance in Ancient Israel.” Open Edition Journals, 15 Apr. 2014, journals.openedition.org/rsr/1467.]]> 2022-01-13 02:17:22 UTC https://padlet.com/Miss_Kate_Alexander/ki1o1j9pjmtd099b/wish/1989441183 Ife, Nigeria elektragillbca https://padlet.com/Miss_Kate_Alexander/ki1o1j9pjmtd099b/wish/1989458165 While exploring Yoruba history in arts and dramatic expression I found quite a few things. This article in particular talks in general about African culture and how their main dramatic expression was through rituals. These rituals involved drums, dancing, and words being spoken. While most rituals were very serious or spiritual from that there seemed to come a comedic aspect of this as well. With this being so general I wanted to dive deeper which I will in the next articles I post. ]]> 2022-01-13 02:32:13 UTC https://padlet.com/Miss_Kate_Alexander/ki1o1j9pjmtd099b/wish/1989458165 Ife, Nigeria elektragillbca https://padlet.com/Miss_Kate_Alexander/ki1o1j9pjmtd099b/wish/1989468079 When I found this I noticed something that was continually spoken about in articles I was finding was the use of body decoration. Which is used in a lot of rituals, again where dancing, music and spoken words were utilized. They often created circles around the ones performing the rituals. Side note: aren't rituals always "performed"?]]> 2022-01-13 02:40:57 UTC https://padlet.com/Miss_Kate_Alexander/ki1o1j9pjmtd099b/wish/1989468079 Ife, Nigeria elektragillbca https://padlet.com/Miss_Kate_Alexander/ki1o1j9pjmtd099b/wish/1989477531 I remembered watching this documentary on Netflix about markings that are still given today to children as young as newborns to 8 years old. It's super controversial but if you ask me quite dramatic. Granted it's not a "dramatic or theatrical" expression however the marks do tell a story. They can tell what tribe a person is from, what region they are from or things they have accomplished in their lives. Which brings me back to my first point, rituals. This is another ritual practice that is reflected in ancient and modern art from all over Africa. ]]> 2022-01-13 02:48:29 UTC https://padlet.com/Miss_Kate_Alexander/ki1o1j9pjmtd099b/wish/1989477531 Ife, Nigeria elektragillbca https://padlet.com/Miss_Kate_Alexander/ki1o1j9pjmtd099b/wish/1989487113 Another thing I discovered was the long time use of masks reminiscent of Commedia dell'arte. The mask above is from 1935 but it is said that, "The mask itself is one the specialist describes as ‘a very classic Yoruba style. It would have been used in a Gelede  performance, a ritual display featuring masked dancers and music that was intended to amuse but also to educate and inspire worship." Dance, music, amusement, education and inspiration. All things that to me clearly point to dramatic expression, one that in this case stems from a history of ritual performances of all kinds. ]]> 2022-01-13 02:57:01 UTC https://padlet.com/Miss_Kate_Alexander/ki1o1j9pjmtd099b/wish/1989487113 Ife, Nigeria elektragillbca https://padlet.com/Miss_Kate_Alexander/ki1o1j9pjmtd099b/wish/1989506733 2022-01-13 03:14:11 UTC https://padlet.com/Miss_Kate_Alexander/ki1o1j9pjmtd099b/wish/1989506733 Mexico https://padlet.com/Miss_Kate_Alexander/ki1o1j9pjmtd099b/wish/1989530157 For the Aztec people, music and performances were a significant part of culture, not to mention, a sacred part of culture. They worshiped many different gods and many of their songs commemorated them. In addition, their songs were a form of oral storytelling, many telling stories of what their gods had achieved.They welcomed the changing of the seasons and worshiped their deities through music.

 The Aztec language, Nahuatl, is a highly poetic and their songs often were written in symbolism that isn’t easily translated to English.
 A few of the significant Aztec types of songs are:
 - Teocuicatl: songs about their gods
 - Yaocuicatl: songs of war
 - Xochicuicatl: poetic songs, or flower songs.
 
 Sources: https://study.com/academy/lesson/central-south-american-theatre-history-overview.html
http://www.aztec-history.com/aztec-music.html]]> 2022-01-13 03:33:07 UTC https://padlet.com/Miss_Kate_Alexander/ki1o1j9pjmtd099b/wish/1989530157 Mexico katelynalexanderbca https://padlet.com/Miss_Kate_Alexander/ki1o1j9pjmtd099b/wish/1989533568 For the Aztec people, music and performances were a significant part of culture, not to mention, a sacred part of culture. They worshiped many different gods and many of their songs commemorated them. In addition, their songs were a form of oral storytelling, many telling stories of what their gods had achieved.They welcomed the changing of the seasons and worshiped their deities through music.
 The Aztec language, Nahuatl, is a highly poetic and their songs often were written in symbolism that isn’t easily translated to English.
 A few of the significant Aztec types of songs are:
 - Teocuicatl: songs about their gods
 - Yaocuicatl: songs of war
 - Xochicuicatl: poetic songs, or flower songs.
 
 Sources:https://study.com/academy/lesson/central-south-american-theatre-history-overview.html
http://www.aztec-history.com/aztec-music.html]]> 2022-01-13 03:35:58 UTC https://padlet.com/Miss_Kate_Alexander/ki1o1j9pjmtd099b/wish/1989533568 New Zealand katherinehatchbca https://padlet.com/Miss_Kate_Alexander/ki1o1j9pjmtd099b/wish/1989751890 The Haka is a New Zealand dance that has been around for many centuries and is connected to Māori heritage. It was originally performed as a war dance to intimidate other tribes. They would stick out their tongues, cry and grunt. All to a rhythm. It also represents community and strength, so you may see one of these dances performed at a wedding or funeral. ]]> 2022-01-13 06:55:57 UTC https://padlet.com/Miss_Kate_Alexander/ki1o1j9pjmtd099b/wish/1989751890 Greece anayasittonbca https://padlet.com/Miss_Kate_Alexander/ki1o1j9pjmtd099b/wish/1989755249 The concept of tragedy and comedy in storytelling both seem to have originated in Greece, and from what I've read, the beginnings of Greek storytelling can be traced back to the archaic period (around 6th century BC) and was in the forms of poems that were intended to be sung or recited. The article I read stated that they developed poetry "before making use of writing for literary purposes”,  which is really fascinating to me. The lyric poetry was often myths, which were a mix of history, folktale, and religious speculation, however the myths weren't concrete so different poets had the freedom to change aspects of the story to serve what they wanted to portray. One of the earliest and most famous of these are Homer's The Odyssey and Iliad. From this came the beginnings of live theatre performances in which people would act out these epics and lyric poems. This was usually done on a hill, and as theatre grew, so did the stages and these gatherings on hills is what birthed the modern amphitheatre style stage.

]]> 2022-01-13 06:58:47 UTC https://padlet.com/Miss_Kate_Alexander/ki1o1j9pjmtd099b/wish/1989755249 Inupiat Mountain, Alaska, USA danielhardybca https://padlet.com/Miss_Kate_Alexander/ki1o1j9pjmtd099b/wish/1989789178 The Inuit people have been performing since the dawn of time, specifically with a style of song called “Throat singing.” It not only entertained tribes during the long hours of the day, but it also kept bodies warm in the harsh Northern climate from the movements and the ensuing laughter. It’s a simple exercise but takes a long time to master. 2 people, usually women, face each other and use their belly, throat and diaphragm to create extremely large sounds. The participants will then match each other’s rhythm. Throat singing was shamed in the Inuit culture by 20th century Christian missionaries, almost killing the tradition entirely. It’s being kept alive and beginning to make a resurgence, however, in large part due to high-profile Throat singers like Shina Novaling.

Sources: https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20210414-a-revival-of-indigenous-throat-singing






]]> 2022-01-13 07:23:54 UTC https://padlet.com/Miss_Kate_Alexander/ki1o1j9pjmtd099b/wish/1989789178 China caclairebear https://padlet.com/Miss_Kate_Alexander/ki1o1j9pjmtd099b/wish/1989883134 "Through the Three Kingdoms (220-265) and Six Dynasties (2220589) periods there are hints of court acting establishments, and proof survives of the continued employment of court jesters. Puppets, originating from the Han dynasty my have been used in comic shows in the sixth century or earlier."
-Early Chinese Plays and Theater by William Dolby 

"Records of the Grand Historian by Sima Qian contains a passage about Confucius (551–479 BC) explaining the Great Warrior Dance or Dawu Dance (Chinese: 大武舞; pinyin: Dàwǔ Wǔ), which told the story of King Wu of Zhou's overthrow of the Shang dynast" Wikipedia 
]]> 2022-01-13 08:25:07 UTC https://padlet.com/Miss_Kate_Alexander/ki1o1j9pjmtd099b/wish/1989883134 Namibia jemimamubakemeschibca https://padlet.com/Miss_Kate_Alexander/ki1o1j9pjmtd099b/wish/1990495193 As early as the Paleolithic, the San - a people group found in Namibia, Botswana, and South Africa - used the trance dance to heal, drive away evil spirits and summon rain, among other things.
The trance dance is an indigenous ritual that can take many different forms. According to some sources, it is the largest religious practice of the San and has also been constantly recorded through cave paintings (rock art). One of its most famous forms is the healing dance.
In the presence of the women of the community, who form a circle and clap and sing rhythmically, the healers of the community dance themselves into a trance with hyperventilation. They often wear rattles on their legs during this process. This procedure often goes on all night long and is usually associated with a lot of pain. Once the healers, who can be male or female, have reached the altered state of consciousness, healing power flows through them. They then transmit this to sick individuals through touch. Sometimes this is accomplished by first taking the disease out of the affected part of the body with a cry and throwing it into the air.
The trance dance is also used to banish bad moods such as anger and quarrels within the locality. Besides, this ritual is used to bring the rain. In the trance state, the rain animals are caught in the spirit, which then bring rain.
This special dance form is still practiced by the San today. This shows how well they were able to preserve their traditions by passing them on. Above all, the stone paintings, which are one of the oldest forms of storytelling, helped.

Source: https://www.thoughtco.com/what-is-the-trance-dance-44077; https://artsandculture.google.com/story/-gXxnvHUJ2LNvA; https://54history.com/trance-dance-of-the-san-community/


]]> 2022-01-13 14:42:32 UTC https://padlet.com/Miss_Kate_Alexander/ki1o1j9pjmtd099b/wish/1990495193 South Africa https://padlet.com/Miss_Kate_Alexander/ki1o1j9pjmtd099b/wish/1991037735 A ancient form of human expression and symbolism dates back to 60-80,000 years ago in the form of Rock art. This art form was very common in South Africa and much of it is still being discovered today. Archeologists say theses abstract representations are evidential of symbolic thought and language as part of our instinctual human behavior. African rock art would be performed by painting and engraving on stone, bone, ochre and even ostrich eggshells. The would primarily perform rock art to record historical events, tell stories and to help enact rituals.

Hays, Jeffrey. “African Rock Art and Painting.” Facts and Details, https://factsanddetails.com/world/cat56/sub361/item1464.html. ]]> 2022-01-13 18:56:02 UTC https://padlet.com/Miss_Kate_Alexander/ki1o1j9pjmtd099b/wish/1991037735 South Africa tracicirottobca https://padlet.com/Miss_Kate_Alexander/ki1o1j9pjmtd099b/wish/1991043006 A ancient form of human expression and symbolism dates back to 60-80,000 years ago in the form of Rock art. This art form was very common in South Africa and much of it is still being discovered today. Archeologists say theses abstract representations are evidential of symbolic thought and language as part of our instinctual human behavior. African rock art would be performed by painting and engraving on stone, bone, ochre and even ostrich eggshells. The would primarily perform rock art to record historical events, tell stories and to help enact rituals.

Hays, Jeffrey. “African Rock Art and Painting.” Facts and Details, https://factsanddetails.com/world/cat56/sub361/item1464.html. ]]> 2022-01-13 18:58:56 UTC https://padlet.com/Miss_Kate_Alexander/ki1o1j9pjmtd099b/wish/1991043006 India https://padlet.com/Miss_Kate_Alexander/ki1o1j9pjmtd099b/wish/1991055082 Indian theatre began around the 15th century BC. Text known as Rigveda - a collection of hymns, charms, and spells related to the Hinduism discussing cosmology, rites, rituals, and deities - provides evidences of plays happening during Yagya ceremonies, which were Hindu rituals done in front of a “sacred” fire. There is evidence of monologues and dialogues done in a religious in context primarily.]]> 2022-01-13 19:05:20 UTC https://padlet.com/Miss_Kate_Alexander/ki1o1j9pjmtd099b/wish/1991055082 India lindsaychandlerbca https://padlet.com/Miss_Kate_Alexander/ki1o1j9pjmtd099b/wish/1991059128 Indian theatre began around the 15th century BC. Text known as Rigveda - a collection of hymns, charms, and spells related to Hinduism discussing cosmology, rites, rituals, and deities - provides evidences of plays happening during Yagya ceremonies, which were Hindu rituals done in front of a “sacred” fire. There is evidence of monologues and dialogues done in a religious context primarily.]]> 2022-01-13 19:07:37 UTC https://padlet.com/Miss_Kate_Alexander/ki1o1j9pjmtd099b/wish/1991059128 Paris, France danielandrews41 https://padlet.com/Miss_Kate_Alexander/ki1o1j9pjmtd099b/wish/1991070558 French theater history dates back to the 12th century. This was a a transformative time because they were performing theater not just for religious or educational purpose but also entertainment. It originally was in latin. ]]> 2022-01-13 19:13:47 UTC https://padlet.com/Miss_Kate_Alexander/ki1o1j9pjmtd099b/wish/1991070558 Caribbean https://padlet.com/Miss_Kate_Alexander/ki1o1j9pjmtd099b/wish/1991080328 Ahe Arawaks art form was mostly crafts. They built figurines, and decorative face paint was for religious purposes, but was also their creative expression. ]]> 2022-01-13 19:19:15 UTC https://padlet.com/Miss_Kate_Alexander/ki1o1j9pjmtd099b/wish/1991080328 Egypt Hannah_Garcia_ https://padlet.com/Miss_Kate_Alexander/ki1o1j9pjmtd099b/wish/1991179498 2022-01-13 20:19:45 UTC https://padlet.com/Miss_Kate_Alexander/ki1o1j9pjmtd099b/wish/1991179498 Egypt Hannah_Garcia_ https://padlet.com/Miss_Kate_Alexander/ki1o1j9pjmtd099b/wish/1991180166 2022-01-13 20:20:13 UTC https://padlet.com/Miss_Kate_Alexander/ki1o1j9pjmtd099b/wish/1991180166 Italy https://padlet.com/Miss_Kate_Alexander/ki1o1j9pjmtd099b/wish/1991209096 During the Italian Renaissance there was a lot of economic growth that led to the beginnings of various types of entertainment. Italian theatre was primarily comprised of plays from the ancient Greek and Roman theatres as well as medieval theatre. The main style of drama that was performed in Italy during this time was known as Comedic delegate, otherwise known as  "the comedy of professional artists". The comedy style used in Italy at this time was known as slapstick or farce. This style highlighted pain and misfortune occurring to the actors. Italian theatre also held a strong sense of morale.
-Nathaniel Lane]]> 2022-01-13 20:41:30 UTC https://padlet.com/Miss_Kate_Alexander/ki1o1j9pjmtd099b/wish/1991209096 Japan aaronweaverbca https://padlet.com/Miss_Kate_Alexander/ki1o1j9pjmtd099b/wish/1993203615 One of the oldest and most celebrated forms of theatre in ancient Japan was Kabuki, which employed elements of miming, acting, vocal performance, costumes and makeup, and above all, dance. Something that set Kabuki apart from many other forms of theatre was that, where places like Ancient Greece performed more for the affluent, Kabuki was an art form intended for the masses. One of Kabuki's predecessors, Bugaku, the oldest known form of performance in Japan, is still performed in some temples today, and involves slow, rhythmic dancing often employed for religious purposes.]]> 2022-01-15 02:03:34 UTC https://padlet.com/Miss_Kate_Alexander/ki1o1j9pjmtd099b/wish/1993203615