From puppets to living players and musical speech to colloquial prose, Asian theatre is a rich world of contrasting expressions. While it has thrived for centuries and embodies the folk traditions of the Asian people, it also reflects contemporary concerns and innovative theatrical practices. At a time when Asia is of tremendous importance to the West, its theatre is a key to understanding its culture as well as the heritage of Asian Americans. This book is a detailed and authoritative survey of traditional and contemporary Asian theatre. The Encyclopedia includes hundreds of alphabetically arranged entries written by more than 90 expert contributors. In addition, it draws upon the expertise of a distinguished advisory board, including: Matthew Isaac Cohen Richard A. Frasca John K. Gillespie Craig Latrell Ruru Li Colin Mackerras Sreenath K. Nair And Richard Nichols. Entries cover individuals, regional theatres, dramatic forms and genres, and a wide range of special topics, including: Actors and Acting Ebrahim Alkazi Bangladesh Bodabil Cambodia Censorship Costumes Dagelan Dance in the Theatre Rukmani Devi Directors and Directing Experimental Theatre Festival Theatre Folk Theatre Gigaku Hong Kong Ichimura Uzaemon India Indonesia Jingju Kabuki Macao Malaysia Mongolia Music and Musical Instruments Nepal North Korea Politics and Theatre Puppet Theatre Religion in Theatre Zorah Segal Singapore Tibet Vietnam Women in Asian Theatre And many more. Entries on the most important topics cite works for further reading, and the Encyclopedia closes with an extensive bibliography. Social studies students will appreciate its glimpses of Asian culture, while literature and drama students will value its exploration of the Asian theatrical tradition. FEATURES AND BENEFITS: Includes hundreds of alphabetically arranged entries written by more than 90 expert contributors. Covers individuals, genres and forms, regional theatres, and special topics. Cites numerous works for further reading. Includes extensive cross-references. Helps social studies students learn about Asian culture and history. Helps literature and drama students learn about the vast Asian theatrical tradition. Fosters a respect for cultural diversity.