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A group of people, some in traditional Indian costumes and others in contemporary clothing, gather on a green outdoor stage. At the center, performers dressed as characters from Hindu mythology smile and interact with others. The setting appears to be a cultural or theatrical festival held on a lawn in front of a historic yellow and red building. Bystanders observe the scene, and white tents and orange flags are visible in the background.

Performance.

A traditional Javanese wayang kulit (shadow puppet) figure, intricately carved and ornamented with elaborate patterns. The puppet is shown in profile, with elongated limbs, a highly stylized face, and detailed headdress and costume. Control rods are attached to the hands and body, used for manipulation during performance.

WHAT WE DO

Introduction to the organization, governing board, and how to join.

Two performers wearing traditional Korean masks during a cultural performance. The figure in front wears a fierce, exaggerated mask with bulging eyes and a mustache, dressed in a white hanbok with a tall black headpiece. Behind them, another performer wears a serene white mask with a crescent moon on the forehead and a gentle smile. The photo is in black and white.

NEWS & EVENTS

Calls for papers, job announcements and other events of interest to students and scholars of Asian performance worldwide. 

A performer in elaborate traditional Japanese costume, wearing an ornate kimono with flowing sleeves decorated with phoenix and wave patterns. The figure has a serene expression and a painted face, and wears an intricate headpiece with floral and fan motifs, suggesting a role in classical Japanese theater such as Noh or Kabuki.

CONFERENCE

Details and registration for our annual conference.

A traditional Chinese shadow puppet figure, intricately cut from leather and decorated with elaborate patterns. The puppet wears a long, ornate robe with swirling motifs and a headdress adorned with tassels and symbolic designs. It holds a thin rod used for manipulation during performance. The figure is shown in profile with expressive facial features and a long beard, suggesting a dignified or official character.

RESOURCES

AAP Newsletter archive, syllabus bank, and links to other useful resources.

A Kathakali performer in elaborate costume and makeup stands on stage against a dark background. The figure wears a wide, circular skirt, ornate chest and arm adornments, and an intricately decorated headdress. The face is painted in vivid patterns typical of Kathakali, a classical dance-drama tradition from Kerala, India, known for its stylized gestures, facial expressions, and elaborate storytelling.

ASIAN THEATRE JOURNAL

AAP's peer-reviewed, academic journal dedicated to the performing arts of Asia.

ABOUT US >

The Association for Asian Performance is an international organization of scholars and artists interested in the theatre and theatrical performance traditions of Asian regions.

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

INSTAGRAM

CONTACT 

aaponline.info@gmail.com

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Image Credits: 

David Mason

Victoria & Albert Museum

Metropolitan Museum of Art

Wikimedia Commons

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