Asian Musical Theatre

An ancient form of entertainment in many Asian countries, shadow puppetry with accompanying melodies, was used as pure entertainmet or as a method of teaching, and is still popular. In China, the classical Peking opera, which once dominated stage performances, is presented mostly during festivals now, while musical entertainments with contemporary dialogue similar to those presented in the West are emphasised.

An integral part of Japanese theatrical performances, music indicates place, time or mood in the widely performed Kabuki theatre. Traditionally, Indian theatre productions present symbolism, dance, and poetry with popular musicinterposed, rather than composed specifically for each offering.