The Performing Arts: An Express Tour

Whether it's the plays of Minoan Crete or the Sanskrit dramas of ancient India, people have been expressing themselves on stage for millennia. The performing arts endure in many different forms today, offering a mirror to society's struggles, hopes and joys.

From the haunting masks of Japanese Noh to the swelling arias of Italian opera, the performing arts cover a rich variety of styles and subject matter. Let's take an express tour around the world and check out five unique art forms.

With its origins in the 14th century, Noh is a traditional Japanese theatrical art blending music, dance, and drama. It's characterized by its slow, ritualistic movements, haunting masks, and minimalist stage design.

In Noh theater, the interplay between the earthly and the ethereal is a recurring theme – vengeful spirits and the ghosts of historic figures frequently appear. The use of masks only emphasizes this sense of the otherworldly.

Wayang is a form of Indonesian shadow puppetry with puppets cast against a luminous backlit screen, representing characters from Hindu epics and local folklore. Accompanied by a gamelan orchestra, Wayang involves skilled puppeteers known as 'dalang'. 

As the flickering light casts magical shadows, audiences are transported into a realm where the Hindu epics – the Ramayana and the Mahabharata – are brought to life.

Khon is a mesmerizing Thai dance-drama, with intricate choreography, elaborate costumes, and symbolic masks. Originating from ancient royal courts, it brings to life tales from the Ramakien, Thailand's epic saga.

Each movement in Khon, precise and graceful, intricately weaves tales of gods, demons, and heroes from the Ramakien. 

Originating from ancient Greek and Roman theater traditions, mime has evolved over centuries into a diverse and expressive art form. At its core, mime emphasizes the use of gesture, posture, facial expressions, and body language to communicate without words.

Mime, with its emphasis on exaggerated movements and precise physicality, is able to transcend linguistic boundaries, making it a popular art form for street performers in cosmopolitan cities.

Samba is a vibrant Brazilian dance and musical genre, originating from Afro-Brazilian communities. Its energetic rhythms, syncopated beats, and lively movements reflect a blend of African, European, and Indigenous influences.

Performed during Carnaval celebrations and other festive occasions, Samba features intricate footwork, hip sways, and expressive gestures, creating a spectacle of color and rhythm.

This is only a glimpse into the world of performing arts. From Kabuki's storytelling to Flamenco's rhythms, there is a bewildering variety for you to discover. Why not gather your thoughts in one of these virtual theaters before continuing on your journey?