Final answer:
Total theatre in Asian performance traditions is an inclusive art form combining music, dance, poetry, puppetry, and visual arts, reflecting the cultural values where it originates and engaging the audience in a complete sensory experience.
Step-by-step explanation:
"Total theatre" in Asian performance traditions refers to an integrative form of theatre that encompasses a variety of elements such as music, dance, poetry, puppetry, acrobatics, and visual arts including scenery, costume, mask, and makeup design. This form of theatre is deeply rooted in the cultural values and aesthetics of the society from which it originates. In Asia, this holistic approach to performance can be seen in the intricate Operatic traditions of Chinese Opera, the expressive dance dramas of India, the meticulous puppet theatre of Java, and the vibrant, stylized performances of Japanese Kabuki.
The essence of total theatre lies in its multifaceted nature, which engages the audience in a rich sensory and emotional experience. It also serves as a medium to address complex topics and social issues by immersing the spectators in the narrative and inviting them to consider diverse perspectives. The visibility of elements which might be hidden in Western theatre, like the puppeteers on the main stage and the narration through music, is a distinct characteristic of this tradition, demonstrating its unique approach to storytelling and performance.
Understanding total theatre in Asian traditions emphasizes the importance of looking beyond Western-centric viewpoints of history and art, recognizing the rich contributions of various cultures to the global theatre landscape. These performance traditions reflect the specific cultural contexts, values, and conflicts of the societies they come from, offering a broader and more inclusive understanding of theatre's role in human experience.