Global Union of Culture & Artists

Teyyam

Sbek Thom: Teyyam

Introduction:

Sbek Thom is a Cambodian shadow play with a long tradition. It uses leather puppets about 2 meters high to convey the mythological stories of the Khmer adaptation of India’s great epic Ramayana, called Reamker, and has ritualistic characteristics.

Puppeteers, accompanied by music and narrative recitation, animate the puppets through stylized dance movements.

Ritual: Teyyam

Introduction:

Teyyam is an indigenous shamanistic dance of the Kerala region in southwestern India. It reproduces the images of various local deities through flamboyant and grotesque makeup and costumes, as well as intense and unique dance techniques.

With a tradition dating back to B.C., Teyyam is a valuable cultural asset exemplifying ancient Indian ritual customs.

Khon

Introduction:

Khon is a representative Thai masked dance-drama that reenacts the heroic tales of Ramakien, the Thai adaptation of India’s epic Ramayana.

Through highly artistic masks, splendid royal costumes, chanting and musical accompaniment, and meticulously refined body expression techniques, it presents the quintessence of traditional Thai theatre.

Kalaripayattu

Introduction:

Kalaripayattu is a traditional martial art handed down in the Kerala region of southwestern India.

Based on India’s characteristic supple body movements, Kalaripayattu is more than just martial arts; it has a ritualistic aspect as a form of spiritual training. With its systematic body training techniques, it is practiced even by actors and dancers both in India and abroad.

Using the body as well as various weapons—such as short and long swords, short and long sticks, maces, and chains—Kalaripayattu, with its dazzling skills, has gained worldwide fame as a martial art representing India.

Mudiyettu

Introduction:

Mudiyettu is a ritual dance-drama of Kerala in southwestern India, reenacting the mythical combat between the goddess Kali and the demon Darika through intense makeup, costumes, and dance.

Before the performance, which is held in temples dedicated to Kali, the goddess is invoked by drawing her image (kalam) with colored powders on the temple courtyard.

Performed throughout the night, Mudiyettu concludes at dawn with the demon Darika’s defeat, symbolizing the triumph of good and justice.

As an ancient Indian ritual dance, Mudiyettu has been inscribed by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, recognizing its historical and artistic value.

Mak Yoing

Introduction:

Mak Yong is a representative traditional theatre of Malaysia, characterized by a harmonious blend of acting, dance, music, and splendid costumes. As a court theatre supported by the royal patronage, it has preserved its ritualistic motivation of honoring gods and heroes.

Most of the characters, including the main roles such as gods or kings, are performed by female actors. It is distinguished by highly stylized bodily movements and vocal expressions that are closely interwoven with music.

Due to its historical and artistic value, Mak Yong has been inscribed by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Barong

Introduction:

Barong is a ritual dance-drama of Bali, Indonesia, in which the mythic sacred beast Barong appears as the protagonist. The myth of Barong subduing the witch Rangda, who disturbs the order of the world, is reenacted, restoring peace and harmony.

The performance’s highlight is the Barong masked dance accompanied by gamelan music, conveying the island’s unique mystical atmosphere.

Barong Wayang Puppet Theatre

Introduction:

The Wayang puppet theatre, transmitted mainly in Java and Bali, is divided into wooden puppet plays such as Wayang Klitik and Wayang Golek, and shadow puppet plays such as Wayang Kulit.

The master puppeteer (dalang) narrates local myths and episodes from India’s epic Ramayana, accompanied by gamelan music that conveys an exotic tropical atmosphere.

Because of its historical and artistic value, Wayang Puppet Theatre has been inscribed by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Tibetian Opera

Introduction:

Tibetan Opera is the traditional opera of the Tibetan people, combining narrative recitation, dance, music, acrobatics, and ritual. It has been transmitted in Tibet, Qinghai, and Sichuan.

Also known as Ache Lhamo, the performance begins with a ritual of stage purification by hunter characters and blessings by elders, and ends with a benediction.

Because of its historical and artistic value, Tibetan Opera has been inscribed by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Kunqu

Introduction:

Kunqu opera originated in the Ming dynasty (14th–17th century) in Kunshan near Suzhou in southeast China. It is recognized for its elegant and flowing Kunqiang singing style, refined movement, and musicality.

Stylized makeup and splendid costumes depending on character roles add visual richness.

Kunqu has been inscribed by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Jingju

Introduction:

Jingju, literally “Beijing Opera,” is the representative traditional theatre of China. With a history of over 200 years, it absorbed and developed the strengths of earlier Chinese theatre forms to become the national theatre.

Its artistry lies in a total theatrical synthesis—highly stylized acting and singing, elaborate makeup and costumes, music, martial arts, and acrobatics—all woven into one expressive form.

Because of its historical and artistic value, Jingju has been inscribed by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Acrobaics

Introduction:

The Chinese circus highlights extraordinary feats of the human body—astonishing flexibility, balance, and daring performances that appear almost superhuman.

Because of its artistry and heritage, Chinese acrobatics are considered a unique expression of traditional Chinese culture..

Nogak

Introduction:

Nogaku, completed in the 14th century, is Japan’s representative traditional theatre, combining elements of earlier musical and dance forms.

Performed as a ritual drama often intended to console spirits from myths and legends, Nogaku is characterized by highly stylized dialogue, restrained movement and dance, solemn ritual music with chorus, and symbolic stage architecture.

Because of its historical and artistic value, Nogaku has been inscribed by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Silat

Introduction:

Silat is a family of martial arts practiced widely across Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei, Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines, and Vietnam. It is generally classified into Indonesia’s Pencak Silat and the regional Seni Silat.

Combining strikes, kicks, and weaponry, Silat is a powerful martial art with many regional variations. One theory traces its origin to martial practices transmitted by Bodhidharma in the 6th century.

Bokator

Introduction:

Bokator is Cambodia’s traditional martial art, incorporating punches, kicks, throws, and weapon techniques. The word “bokator” means “to subdue a lion.”

With at least 1,000 years of tradition, Bokator has been used in combat as a practical battlefield martial art.It employs strikes with all parts of the body—head, jaw, hands, elbows, knees, feet—and includes weapons such as staffs and sticks. Like other Asian martial arts, it features techniques imitating animal movements.

Shamanic Rites

Introduction:

Shamanic rites transmitted in Tuva, Central Asia, Siberia, and Mongolia differ in style according to region, but generally follow a typical pattern: a single shaman holds a large drum, invokes the spirits through chants and dance, enters into possession, and then delivers the divine message.

Compared to Korean shamanic rites, they lack artistic refinement and variety, yet they preserve the archetypal form of ancient Asian shamanism and thus possess significant historical value.