This week we started discussing and
studying Andean theatre, focusing on a cultural tradition which takes place in Paucartambo.
We spent a lot of time arguing about the basic concepts, specially about CULTURE and AUTHORITY, and we learnt different conventions and characters from the tradition.
We spent a lot of time arguing about the basic concepts, specially about CULTURE and AUTHORITY, and we learnt different conventions and characters from the tradition.
Analysis
"La fiesta de la virgen del Carmen" is a theatre tradition that takes place in
Paucartambo, Cusco.
** "A tradition is always a practice, but a practice is not always a tradition".
** "A tradition is always a practice, but a practice is not always a tradition".
In order to understand the theatre tradition it is
necessary to understand the Andean CULTURE, and the functions of theatre in it.
First of all, we need to know that culture refers to the way you ACTUALLY live, and not how "you are supposed or want to live". And (after discussing it a lot of time) I believe that changes in this culture will happen depending on the needs of people.
**A necesity needs to appear in order to change a culture
First of all, we need to know that culture refers to the way you ACTUALLY live, and not how "you are supposed or want to live". And (after discussing it a lot of time) I believe that changes in this culture will happen depending on the needs of people.
**A necesity needs to appear in order to change a culture
The functions of theatre can vary from
entertaining an audience, social criticism, celebrating, etc.
So, the audience plays different roles in different kinds of theatre and may be treated in different ways.
As well as the audience, each character (we've studied so far) has a different role or characteristic.
So, the audience plays different roles in different kinds of theatre and may be treated in different ways.
As well as the audience, each character (we've studied so far) has a different role or characteristic.
An important aspect about each character in
Paucartambo is the IRONY involved.
For example, The Maqt'as' masks, body and sound expressions are funny, exaggerated and noicy.
However, the IRONY is that their role is to stablish order.
click to see (Maqt'a) picture
click to see (Maqt'a) picture
The Qhapac Qollas click to see (Qhapac Qolla) picture
seem to be strong and masculine merchants, but they have very high pitch voices, and
the Qhapac Ch'unchos [click to see (Qhapac Ch'unchos) picture]
are warriors from the jungle, but are totally dressed and look very sad.
This irony may represent different criticisms from the people, or probably has a meaning which I hope to understand as we study the tradition.
seem to be strong and masculine merchants, but they have very high pitch voices, and
the Qhapac Ch'unchos [click to see (Qhapac Ch'unchos) picture]
are warriors from the jungle, but are totally dressed and look very sad.
This irony may represent different criticisms from the people, or probably has a meaning which I hope to understand as we study the tradition.
Connections
Culture is a VERY IMPORTANT element in theatre traditions.
For example, deep inside every Japanese, there is a Kabuki actor/character.
Each culture NEEDS a different kind of theatre, with different purposes.
For example, in Japan, the audience concentrates in the acting and not in the plot of the story, however, the majority of people in our society look for theatre that entertains.
The masks used by each character resemble different expressions and feelings that may be ironic, which reminded me to the "daily masks" represented in "Más pequeños que el Guggenheim".
The irony in each character may be used to make fun of different stereotypes and "masks".
Finally, the tradition could also be connected to the play "Los músicos ambulantes", as different people/cultures join together (or in this case meet at one "central place") and share different aspects of their lives.
For example, deep inside every Japanese, there is a Kabuki actor/character.
Each culture NEEDS a different kind of theatre, with different purposes.
For example, in Japan, the audience concentrates in the acting and not in the plot of the story, however, the majority of people in our society look for theatre that entertains.
The masks used by each character resemble different expressions and feelings that may be ironic, which reminded me to the "daily masks" represented in "Más pequeños que el Guggenheim".
The irony in each character may be used to make fun of different stereotypes and "masks".
Finally, the tradition could also be connected to the play "Los músicos ambulantes", as different people/cultures join together (or in this case meet at one "central place") and share different aspects of their lives.
Reflections/Questions
In order to understand a theatre tradition you need to know about its culture.
Different groups of people or places need different kinds of theatre with different audience roles...
Different groups of people or places need different kinds of theatre with different audience roles...
Do the performers in Paucartambo do everything for the audience?? Are they really concerned about the audience as much as we are (e.g.in the school play)?
What is the role of the audience in Paucartambo?
What message to they want to transmit with the irony?
Don't worry, I will promptly explain the underlying principle of the ironis in the celebration...
ResponderEliminarThe connections section could still be further developed.
Roberto