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ARTS
Quarter 4 – Module 4a
Festival and Theater Arts:
China and Japan
Arts – Grade 8
Alternative Delivery Mode
Quarter 4 – Module 4a: Festival and Theater Arts: China and Japan
First Edition, 2021

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Published by the Department of Education

Secretary: Leonor Magtolis Briones
Undersecretary: Diosdado M. San Antonio

Development Team of the Module

Writers: Jikka R. Vicente, Florence M. Pinili
Editors: Florence M. Pinili, Armela T. Bustamante, Mary Rose G. Acupanda
Reviewer: Bethel- Anne S. Parco
Illustrator: Name
Layout Artist: Name
Management Team: Senen Priscillo P. Paulin, CESO V Jenith C. Cabajon
Joelyza M. Arcilla, Ed.D Rosela R. Abiera
Marcelo K. Palispis, Ed.D Elmar L. Cabrera
Nilita L. Ragay, Ed. D. Maricel S. Rasid

Printed in the Philippines by ________________________

Department of Education –Region VII Schools Division of Negros Oriental

Office Address: Kagawasan, Ave., Daro, Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental

Tele #: (035) 225 2376 / 541 1117
E-mail Address: [email protected]
 What I Need to
Know
After learning the varied folk arts from different Asian countries in previous
quarters, it is time to study and learn the basic concepts, elements, and principles of
festivals and theater art forms in the great country of China and Japan. In this module,
you will discover the history, culture, and traditions of China and Japan manifested
through their different festivities and theatre arts.

Read and understand the information and instructions carefully. You will surely
enjoy and have a great time as you go along in this learning material.

Let’s get started!

Learning Competencies:
1.Identifies selected festivals and theatrical forms celebrated all over the Asian
region. A8EL-IVa-1

2. Researches on the history of the festival and theatrical forms and its
evolution, and describe how the community participates and contributes to the event.
A8EL-IVb-2

3. Discusses the elements and principles of arts as seen in Philippine Festivals.

4.Identifies the elements and principles of arts as manifested in Asian festivals

and theatrical forms. A8PL-IVc-1

Objectives:
At the end of the module, you should be able to:
1. Identify significant elements and principles of arts manifested in festivals and
theater performances.

2. Discuss personal contribution to local festivals and how festivals contribute

to the community.

3. Develop appreciation of festival and theater arts by responding to given

situations.

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 What I Know
Directions: Identify the country where each festival and theatre art are portrayed and
performed. Choose either CHINA or JAPAN. Write your answers in your Arts
notebook.

http://bit.ly/2ZkXU32 http://bit.ly/2ZqIvhj
1. __________ 3. ________________

2. _____________ http://cnn.it/3jV9knq 4. ________________ http://bit.ly/2OCoqm5

5. ____________https://bit.ly/2ZHcaD3

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 What’s In
Direction: Before moving further in this module, read the situations below and answer
the questions that follow. Do this in your Arts notebook.

A B

http://bit.ly/3qu8yQG http://bit.ly/3b2r4Jm

DIFFERENTIATE:
1. What does each picture show? A. _____________ B._______________
2. In what country is the performance being held, as depicted in the first picture?
What about in the second picture?

What’s New
QUESTION ANALYSIS!
1. Describe the costumes worn by the performers in each picture.
2. In which country can you witness the festival as shown in the first picture? What
about the second picture?
3. What makes the festival depicted in picture A different from the festival depicted
in picture B? What makes them similar?

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 What is It

CHINESE FESTIVAL/THEATER
ART
CHINESE PEKING OPERA
Peking Opera or Beijing Opera
combines music, vocal performance,
pantomime, dance, and acrobatics.
During the Qing Dynasty court, it became
extremely popular and came to be
regarded as one of the cultural treasures
of China.

Pupils were often handpicked at a young age by a teacher and trained for seven
http://bit.ly/2ZkXU32
years on contract with the child’s parents. Students of these schools rose as early as
five o’clock in the morning for exercises. Daytime was spent learning the skills of acting
and combat, and senior students performed in outside theaters in the evening.

Visual Performance Elements

Peking-opera performers utilize four main skills:
1. Song
2. Speech
3. Dance-acting - This includes pure dance, pantomime, and all other types of
dance.
4. Combat - includes both acrobatics and fighting with all manner of weaponry.

Stages:
1. Square platforms, the action on stage is usually visible from at least three sides
2. Stages were built above the line of sight of the viewers, but some modern stages
have been constructed with higher audience seating
3. Divided into two parts by an embroidered curtain called a shoujiu.

Costume:
Xingtou – popularly known as Xifu in Chinese.
Origins of Peking Opera costumes can be traced back to
the mid-14th century. Costumes enable the audience to
distinguish a character's sex and status at first glance if
noble or humble, civilian or military, officials or private
citizens. They also give expression to sharp distinctions
between good and evil or loyal and wicked characters.
The oblong wings (chizi) attached to a gauze hat indicate
a loyal official. In contrast, a corrupt official is made to
wear a gauze hat with rhomboidal wing.
http://bit.ly/3qtkKBo

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Props:
Peking Opera utilizes very few props. Performances will almost always have a
table and at least one chair, which can be turned through convention into such diverse
objects as a city wall, a mountain, or a bed. A whip is used to indicate a horse and an
oar symbolizes a boat.

Musicians:
Musicians are visible to the audience on the front part of the stage

Viewers:
Always seated south of the stage, therefore, north is the most important
direction

Performers:
Immediately move to center north upon entering the stage. All characters enter
from the east and exit from the west

CHINESE SPRING NEW YEAR FESTIVAL

This festival is the

longest and the most
important festivity in the
Chinese calendar. Since the
spring season in Chinese
calendar starts with lichun,
the first solar term in Chinese
calendar year, and it marks
the end of the winter season.
Music and Arts of Asia 8 Learner’s Module (Department of Education)
The origin of Chinese New Year is itself centuries old and gains significance
because of several myths and traditions. Chinese New Year is celebrated in countries
and territories with significant Chinese populations, like: Mainland China, Hong Kong,
Macau, Taiwan, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mauritius, Philippines,
Vietnam.

Part of the celebration is the

dragon dancing. The dragon dance has
been indispensable to Chinese festivals
since ancient times. With the spread of
Chinese people and culture all over the
world, the dragon dance has been
brought to every corner of the world
where there are overseas Chinese
gathered (Cindy, 2021). It has become a http://bit.ly/2ZqIvhj
symbol of Chinese culture and the dragon symbolizes power, strength and good luck.

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KABUKI

Kabuki is a form of traditional

Japanese drama with highly stylized
song, mime, and dance, now performed
only by male actors. Japanese used this
as a verb meaning “act dissolutely,” later
interpreting the word as “ka” for song,
“bu” for dance, and “ki” for art/ skill.

Kabuki’s highly lyrical plays are

regarded, with notable exceptions, less
as literature than as vehicles for actors http://bit.ly/3b2r4Jm

to demonstrate their enormous range of skills in visual and vocal performance. These
actors have carried the traditions of Kabuki from one generation to the next with only
slight alterations. Many of them trace their ancestry and performing styles to the
earliest Kabuki actors and add a “generation number” after their names to indicate
their place in the long line of actors (Britannica).

Visual Elements of Kabuki:

Mie - in which the actor holds a picturesque pose to establish his character and
his house name yagō, is sometimes heard in a loud shout (kakegoe) from expert
audience member, serving both to express and enhance the audience's appreciation
of the actor's achievement. An even greater compliment can be paid by shouting the
name of the actor's father.

Keshō Actors are separated into two main categories:

Onna-gata - female roles and;
Aragoto - male roles.

Most main characters in Kabuki plays are aragoto, because of its super-stylized
masculine, heroic style.

The play occupies five acts. Some parts correspond to:

jo, an auspicious and slow opening which introduces the audience to the
characters and the plot.
ha, speeding events up, culminating almost always in a great moment of drama
or tragedy in the third act and possibly a battle in the second and/or fourth acts.
kyu, is almost always short, providing a quick and satisfying conclusion.

Kabuki props are often quite interesting. Flowing water is usually represented
by fluttering roles of linen; and creatures like insects and foxes. Props often have
symbolic meanings. Fans are used to symbolize wind, a sword, a tobacco pipe, waves
or food. Costumes are swung from sticks or manipulated by helpers who come on
stage dressed in black hooded robes so they are invisible to the audience.

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 The female characters generally wear an elaborate kimono and obi. Pleated
hakuma trousers are worn by characters of sexes. Actors playing both sexes often
have a supported midriff because a straight and curve less figure are regarded the
essence of beauty. Costume changing is considered as an art. There are special
teams that take care of complete and partial costume changes and are done as part
of the performances.

Wigs are important accessories, with each costume having its own type.
Specialized craftsmen shape the wigs to the head. Wigs are made of human hair or
horse hair or, bear fur or yak-tail hair imported from Tibet.

TAIKO DRUM FESTIVAL

A good example of a
professional taiko drumming troupe
in Japan is the Kodo. They are based
in Sado Island, Japan, and they had
a big role in popularizing taiko
drumming, both in Japan and abroad.
They regularly tour Japan, Europe,
and the United States. Their name,
"Kodo" conveys two meanings:
1. "heartbeat" the primal source of all
rhythm and, read in a different way; Music and Arts of Asia 8 Learner’s Module (Department of
2. "children of the drum," a reflection Education)
of Kodo's desire to play their drums simply,
with the heart of a child.

The main focus of the performance:

 Uchite is the Taiko drummer
 Different drums such as taiko, and o-
daiko
 Other traditional Japanese musical
instruments such as fue and shamisen
make an appearance on stage

http://bit.ly/2OCoqm5

Traditional dance and vocal performance are part of the Taiko Drum
performances which include pieces based on the traditional rhythms of regional Japan,
pieces composed for Kodo by contemporary songwriters, and pieces written by Kodo
members themselves. Kodo's performances normally last for about one hour and forty
minutes.

In history, drums were used in ancient times to signify the boundaries of a

village. Peasant events such as the rice harvests or dance festivals were celebrated
with drums. Drums were also used to pray for rain and other religious ceremonies.
Additionally, drums lead warriors into battles in order to scare off the enemy.

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 What’s more

Festivals are significant celebrations in localities as each commemorates

certain occasion, historical event, religious observance and among other reasons.
Answer the following questions in your Arts notebook:
Q1: On what particular occasion do Filipinos celebrate festival?
Q2: What is the name of the festival being celebrated in your own community?
Q3: Does your community still celebrate fiestas and other religious occasions today?
Why?

What I Have Learned

Answer the following questions in your Arts notebook.

1. Among the two theater art forms that were discussed in this module, which
one do you like better? Why?
Answer: ______________________________________________________
2. What values/attitudes/skills of the Chinese, and Japanese do you want to
acquire? Why?
Answer:____________________________________________________

What I Can Do

Directions: Copy the table below and supply the information being asked about the
theater arts discussed in this module. Do this in your Arts notebook.

Purpose of
Visual
Theatre Art Performers Stage/props Costumes the
effects
performance
Chinese
Peking
Opera

Kabuki
Japan

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 Assessment

Directions: Read each item carefully and choose the correct answer. Write the letter
only in your Arts notebook.

1.These props can always be seen on stage in Peking Opera.

A. Bed and pillows C. Drums and cymbals
B. Chairs and tables D. Wood blocks and sticks
2.With highly stylized song, mime, and dance, this performance is only performed by
male actors.
A. Dragon Dancing C. Peking opera
B. Kabuki D. Sinulog Dance
3. Traditional Chinese dance that is usually seen during the Chinese New Year
Celebration. This dance is based on a mythical creature believed by the Chinese
people.
A. Dragon dance C. Lion dance
B. Snake dance D. Gangnam dance
4. Kodo conveys two meanings, “heartbeat” and ______________.
A. children of Fuji C. children of the drum
B. children of Kung Fu D. children of the sun
5. The visual elements of Peking Opera include song, speech, dance and ________.
A. acting B. combat C. debate D. war dance
6. The Dragon Dance is a form of traditional dance and performance in Chinese
culture. The dragon symbolizes power, strength and __________
A. good luck B. health C. love D. hope
7. “Ki” in Kabuki theater means _________.
A. art B. dance C. love D. spirit
8. The male roles in kabuki performances.
A. Aragato B. Aragoto C. Arigato D. Arigoto
9. The Taiko drum festival is celebrated in____________.
A. America B. China C. Indonesia D. Japan
10. Peking Opera stages are divided into two parts by an embroidered curtain called
a ___________.
A. lichun B. Onna-gata C. shoujiu D. Uchite

Additional Activity

Copy and answer this activity in your Arts notebook.

Among the theater performances or festivals discussed in this module, which would
you like to see most? Why?
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________.

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 Answer Key
Answers may vary
Additional Activity

10. C 9. D 8. B 7. A 6. A 5. B 4. C 3. A 1. B 2. B
Assessment

Answers may vary Answers may vary

What I can do What I have Learned

3. No, because of COVID

2. Answer may vary
1. Fiestas
What’s More

3. Answers may vary

2. A. Philippines B. Japan
1. Answers may vary
What’s New

B. Theaters/indoor places 2. A. Street

B. Theater 1. A. Festival
What’s In

3. China
5. Japan 2. China
4. Japan 1. Japan
What I know

References

Music and Arts of Asia 8 Learner’s Module (Department of Education)

Online Articles

Adam Augustyn, “Kabuki, Japanese Arts.” Britannica.

(https://www.britannica.com/art/Kabuki)

Cindy, “Chinese Dragon Dances, History and Styles.” China Highlights.

February 25, 2021. (https://www.chinahighlights.com/travelguide/special-
report/chinese-new-year/new-year-dragon-dance.htm)

Photos

 http://bit.ly/2ZkXU32  http://bit.ly/2ZkXU32
 http://bit.ly/2ZqIvhj  http://bit.ly/3qtkKBo
 http://bit.ly/3qu8yQG  http://bit.ly/2ZqIvhj
 http://cnn.it/3jV9knq  http://bit.ly/3b2r4Jm
 http://bit.ly/2OCoqm5  http://bit.ly/2OCoqm5
 http://bit.ly/3b2r4Jm

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For inquiries or feedback, please write or call:

Department of Education – Schools Division of Negros Oriental

Kagawasan, Avenue, Daro, Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental

Tel #: (035) 225 2376 / 541 1117

Email Address: [email protected]
Website: lrmds.depednodis.net