A Comparative Study of Eastern and Western Theatre Traditions

Bui Cam Trang

International Journal of Literature and Arts Studies, 2025, vol. 1, issue 1, 43-49

Abstract: This paper undertakes a comparative analysis of Eastern and Western theatre traditions, focusing on their historical development, aesthetic principles, performance techniques, and cultural connotations. By examining representative theatrical forms such as Chinese Peking Opera, Japanese Noh and Kabuki, Greek tragedy and comedy, and Shakespearean drama, the study identifies both distinct differences and underlying similarities between these two major cultural theatrical systems. The research employs a combination of literature review, case analysis, and theoretical interpretation to explore how geographical, historical, and philosophical factors have shaped the unique characteristics of each tradition. The findings reveal that while Eastern theatre emphasizes symbolic expression, stylization, and spiritual enlightenment, Western theatre tends to prioritize realism, character development, and dramatic conflict. Despite these differences, both traditions share a common purpose of reflecting human nature and social issues through artistic means. This comparative study contributes to a deeper understanding of global theatrical diversity and provides insights into cross-cultural communication and artistic innovation in contemporary theatre.

Keywords: Eastern theatre; Western theatre; comparative study; cultural traditions; performance aesthetics (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
References: Add references at CitEc
Citations:

Downloads: (external link)
https://pinnaclepubs.com/index.php/IJLAS/article/view/112/113 (application/pdf)

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:dba:ijlasa:v:1:y:2025:i:1:p:43-49

Access Statistics for this article

More articles in International Journal of Literature and Arts Studies from Pinnacle Academic Press
Bibliographic data for series maintained by Joseph Clark ().