Knowra Sanskrit drama Sanskrit drama A classical Indian theatrical tradition whose plays use Sanskrit and often Prakrit languages, combining spoken dialogue, music, dance, and stylized gesture.
Nāṭyaśāstra : An ancient Sanskrit treatise on drama, dance, music, stagecraft, and performance. It codifies the theory and practical conventions associated with Sanskrit theatrical performance.
Abhijñānaśākuntalam : A Sanskrit play by Kālidāsa about King Duṣyanta and Śakuntalā. It is among the best-known surviving works of the classical stage.
Nāṭaka : A major Sanskrit dramatic genre, typically based on a well-known story and centered on elevated characters. It exemplifies the formal genre system used to classify Sanskrit plays.
Bharata Muni : The traditional author associated with the Nāṭyaśāstra, an influential treatise on performance. His attributed treatise supplies a foundational account of dramatic theory.
Greek tragedy : A form of ancient Greek drama that stages serious conflicts, often ending in catastrophe. Its tragic endings differ from the generally auspicious resolutions expected in Sanskrit drama.
Rasa (aesthetics) : An aesthetic theory describing emotional flavors evoked in an audience by artistic works. Sanskrit drama organizes performance around evoking recognizable emotional experiences.
Mṛcchakaṭika : A Sanskrit play traditionally attributed to Śūdraka, centered on the poor merchant Cārudatta and courtesan Vasantasenā. Its urban setting and varied characters broaden the social world depicted onstage.
Prakaraṇa : A Sanskrit dramatic genre built around an invented plot and comparatively ordinary characters. Its conventions contrast with plays founded on famous epic or historical stories.
Kālidāsa : A classical Sanskrit poet and playwright, traditionally dated to the early centuries CE. His plays became enduring models of literary and theatrical achievement.
Chinese opera : A family of Chinese theatrical forms combining music, stylized movement, and spoken or sung text. It offers a distinct theatrical system with its own music, gesture, and performance conventions.
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