• Noh is a form of Japanese theatre
• highly stylized performances
• developed in the 1300's
• 80 different characters in traditional Noh theatre
• slow-moving, dignified and elegant
• performers use masks, made of wood
• each mask shows the mood and character of the part
• a chorus chants much of the story to music of a flute and drums
• Kabuki dates back to the 1600's
• dance-dramas which are similar to Noh, but is somewhat livelier and easier to understand
• "Noh Home Page" (background information)
• "Oni Masks of the World" (a commercial site, but beautiful images of masks)

• Beijing Opera (also called Peking Opera) has existed over 200 years
• it is regarded as the highest expression of Chinese culture
• there are thousands of pieces, inspired by the history and literature of China (and some from the west)
• involve elaborate costumes and painted faces to represent different characters
• yellow and white = cunning; red = upright and loyal; black = valor and wisdom; blue and green = rebellious heroes; gold and silver = mystic or supernatural
• it is interesting to read up on China's Cultural Revolution to see the effect government has had on culture and it's people
• "Beijing Opera Masks" (lovely images on the site)
• "Intro to Beijing Opera" (good background information)

• Brazil's Theatre of the Oppressed has gained international recognition for it's political style
• Augusto Boal, the director, believes completely in the transformative power of theatre
• using both both actors and no-actors, they move theatre into the streets in guerilla fashion
• it can take on an invisible form, in the street, masquerading as "real-life" discussion of current political issues (in a repressive regime this activity can be seen as very dangerous)
• as word of Boal's work spread, other groups formed around the world and took on various forms - all using theatre as an agent for change and activism.

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