India’s Classical Performing Arts

Catalog description

South Asia is home to rich classical traditions in the performing arts – drama, dance, music – which continue into the present. These performative traditions are accompanied by theoretical analyses going back to the Nātyaśāstra attributed to the sage Bharata, (2nd c. BCE-6th c. CE). This course introduces students to these traditions and theories to allow for an informed appreciation of South Asia's classical arts. This course will include reading classical texts in translation and experiencing, analyzing, and discussing recorded performances. The final portion of the course will examine the influence of the classical arts on Bollywood film.