This is the Grade 8 Music Quarter 4 Module 1 self-learning module, “Traditional Asian Theater.” It introduces three famous theater forms of Asia: Wayang Kulit of Indonesia, Peking Opera of China, and Kabuki of Japan. It also covers the music and instruments that accompany each one. The module was written for home-based learning under the Alternative Delivery Mode and was published by DepEd Caraga Region (First Edition, 2020).
What learners will learn
After going through the module, learners should be able to:
- Identify musical characteristics of selected Asian musical theater through video films or live performances (MU8TH-IVa-g-1).
- Describe the instruments that accompany Kabuki, Wayang Kulit, and Peking Opera (MU8TH-IVa-g-2).
The module has one lesson, Lesson 1: Traditional Asian Theater.
Key ideas: three traditional Asian theaters
The module describes theater arts as a tradition passed down from generation to generation. It mirrors life, and its key principle is selectivity. Each Asian theater form has its own artistic approach rooted in its culture.
Wayang Kulit (Indonesia)
- A shadow puppet theater, and one of the oldest forms of traditional storytelling. It uses puppets with background music.
- “Wayang” is an Indonesian term for theater. “Kulit” means skin, because the puppets are made of leather and have control rods. The puppets are cast as shadows.
- Music: It is accompanied by the Gamelan, an orchestra made up mostly of gongs and sets of tuned metal instruments struck with mallets. Its bronze sound is bright and lingering, with majestic melodies.
- The Dalang: The puppeteer and storyteller. The Dalang operates the puppets, narrates the story, speaks all the dialogue, provides the sound effects, and conducts the Gamelan.
Peking Opera (China)
- Also called Beijing Opera, it is an essential cultural tradition in China.
- Nearly 200 years ago, four big opera troupes from Anhui province combined to create it.
- It combines stylized action, singing, dialogue, mime, dancing, and acrobatic fighting to tell a story or show characters and their emotions.
- Music: The music is not written by a composer. It is based on sets of traditional, codified tunes and is played only on traditional instruments.
- Two divisions of instruments:
- Wenchang: accompanies the singing of the actors and actresses. Its instruments include the jinghu, the yueqin, and the pipa.
- Wuchang (spelled “Whuchang” in the module): accompanies the acting, dancing, and fighting.
Kabuki (Japan)
- The word is written with three characters: “Ka” means to sing, “Bu” means to dance, and “Ki” means to act.
- It was the first dramatic entertainment in Japan designed for the tastes of the common people.
- It dates back at least 400 years, to a female dancer named Okuni. She performed comedic imitations of Buddhist prayers in an empty riverbed, entertaining people with singing, dancing, and acting.
- Music: Kabuki uses the Hayashi, a group of musicians who also accompany Japan’s Noh theater. In Kabuki, several shamisen players join the Hayashi. Depending on the play, they may be joined by percussion such as the taiko, wind instruments, and sound-effect instruments.
- In Noh, the Hayashi sits on the stage. In Kabuki, it usually plays from a small room just off-stage, hidden from the audience. A barred window in the stage set shows where it is.
Quick comparison
| Theater | Country | Characteristics | Ensemble |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wayang Kulit | Indonesia | Shadow puppet | Gamelan |
| Peking Opera | China | Singing, dancing, acting, and acrobatics | Chinese orchestra (Wenchang and Wuchang) |
| Kabuki | Japan | Singing, dancing, and acting | Hayashi with shamisen |
Activities in the module
- What I Know: a 15-item multiple-choice pretest.
- What’s In: photos introducing Kabuki, Wayang Kulit, and Peking Opera.
- What’s New: learners draw the emotion in five real-life situations, such as a birthday or watching a horror movie. Then they choose a musical instrument that suits each emotion.
- What’s More: a table comparing the three theaters by country of origin and characteristics.
- What I Have Learned: learners complete three sentences describing each theater.
- What I Can Do: learners list the instruments of the Gamelan, the Chinese orchestra, and the Hayashi.
- Assessment: a 15-item multiple-choice post-test.
- Additional Activities: learners react to real-life student situations. They draw a guitar for a neutral reaction, a flute for a positive one, and drums for a negative one.
How to use this module
- Learners: Take the pretest first to check what you already know. Then work through the parts in order and finish with the post-test. Write all answers on a separate sheet of paper, and do not mark the module. The answer key is at the end; use it honestly to check your work after answering.
- Parents and facilitators: Help your child follow the directions for each part. If possible, find a video of a Kabuki, Wayang Kulit, or Peking Opera performance, since the first objective involves watching performances. Contact the teacher if your child has difficulty with any task.
- Teachers: The comparison table and the instrument table work well for checking understanding. Note that several activities have open-ended answers. Review the answer key before using it (see the FAQ below).
Frequently asked questions
What grade and quarter is this Music module for?
It is Music Grade 8, Quarter 4, Module 1: Traditional Asian Theater, published by DepEd Caraga Region in 2020.
Which Asian theaters does the module cover?
It covers Wayang Kulit of Indonesia, Peking Opera of China, and Kabuki of Japan, along with the music and instruments that accompany each.
Who is the Dalang in Wayang Kulit?
The Dalang is the puppeteer and storyteller. He operates the puppets, narrates the story, speaks all the dialogue, provides sound effects, and conducts the Gamelan.
What does the word Kabuki mean?
Each of its three characters stands for an element of the art: Ka means to sing, Bu means to dance, and Ki means to act.
Does the module have an answer key?
Yes. The last pages give answers for the pretest, the comparison table, and the post-test, and note that the other activities have answers that may vary. A few keyed answers look questionable, so teachers should check them against the lesson.
Full text of the module
The text below is a transcription of the PDF above, as printed.
Music
Quarter 4 – Module 1: Traditional Asian Theater
[illustration: students studying under a tree, a teacher helping students at a table, and students with a globe and a lamp]
GOVERNMENT PROPERTY NOT FOR SALE
Music – Grade 8 Alternative Delivery Mode Quarter 4 – Module 1: Traditional Asian Theater First Edition, 2020
Republic Act 8293, Section 176 states that: No copyright shall subsist in any work of the Government of the Philippines. However, prior approval of the government agency or office wherein the work is created shall be necessary for exploitation of such work for profit. Such agency or office may, among other things, impose as a condition the payment of royalties.
Borrowed materials (i.e., songs, stories, poems, pictures, photos, brand names, trademarks, etc.) included in this module are owned by their respective copyright holders. Every effort has been exerted to locate and seek permission to use these materials from their respective copyright owners. The publisher and authors do not represent nor claim ownership over them.
Published by the Department of Education Secretary: Leonor Magtolis Briones Undersecretary: Diosdado M. San Antonio
| Development Team of the Module | |
|---|---|
| Writers: | Susan O. Alegre, Julieta M. Bioco |
| Editors: | Paulita L. Vernal, Hilarion A. Galido, Abel N. Galido |
| Reviewers: | Laila F. Danaque, Cecilia M. Saclolo, Delbert U. Dela Calzada, Ryan D. Alferez, Prim Ross L. Eng, Janine L. Abaquita, Lorenzo B. Pantilgan, Raul R. Cabatingan, Renato M. Felias, Valiren J. Torralba |
| Illustrator: | Dave Rey G. Balili, Stephany Bryan D. Itao |
| Layout Artist: | Ivan Paul V. Damalerio, Teodorico A. Cabildo Jr. |
| Management Team: | Francis Cesar B. Bringas Isidro M. Biol, Jr. Maripaz F. Magno Josephine Chonie M. Obseñares Bernard C. Abellana Ma. Teresa M. Real Dominico P. Larong, Jr. Gemma C. Pullos Dulcisima A. Corvera |
Printed in the Philippines by
Department of Education – Caraga Region Learning Resource Management Section (LRMS) Office Address: J.P. Rosales Avenue, Butuan City, Philippines 8600 Tel. No.: (085) 342-8207 Telefax No.: (085) 342-5969 E-mail Address: caraga@deped.gov.ph
Music
Quarter 4 – Module 1: Traditional Asian Theater
8
Introductory Message
This Self-Learning Module (SLM) is prepared so that you, our dear learners, can continue your studies and learn while at home. Activities, questions, directions, exercises, and discussions are carefully stated for you to understand each lesson.
Each SLM is composed of different parts. Each part shall guide you step-by-step as you discover and understand the lesson prepared for you.
Pre-tests are provided to measure your prior knowledge on lessons in each SLM. This will tell you if you need to proceed on completing this module or if you need to ask your facilitator or your teacher’s assistance for better understanding of the lesson. At the end of each module, you need to answer the post-test to self-check your learning. Answer keys are provided for each activity and test. We trust that you will be honest in using these.
In addition to the material in the main text, Notes to the Teacher are also provided to our facilitators and parents for strategies and reminders on how they can best help you on your home-based learning.
Please use this module with care. Do not put unnecessary marks on any part of this SLM. Use a separate sheet of paper in answering the exercises and tests. And read the instructions carefully before performing each task.
If you have any questions in using this SLM or any difficulty in answering the tasks in this module, do not hesitate to consult your teacher or facilitator.
Thank you.
What I Need to Know
Traditional Asian Theater. The scope of this module permits it to be used in many different learning situations. The language used recognizes the diverse vocabulary level of learners. The lessons are arranged to follow the standard sequence of the course. However, the order in which you read them can be changed to correspond with the textbook you are now using.
This module contains:
- Module 1 – Traditional Asian Theater
After going through this module, you are able to:
- Identify musical characteristics of selected Asian musical theater through video films or live performances; (MU8TH-IVa-g-1)
- Describe the instruments that accompany Kabuki, Wayang Kulit, and Peking Opera. (MU8TH-lVa-g-2)
This module was designed and written with you in mind. It is here that you will be assisted in learning about
What I Know
Directions: Choose the letter of the correct answer. Write your answer on a separate sheet of paper.
Who is the most important person in a Wayang Kulit performance?
- A. Balang
- C. Galang
- B. Dalang
- D. Wayang
Which of the following best describes Kabuki?
- A. It is combined mainly with martial arts and karate.
- B. It is means sing, dance, and act.
- C. It uses puppets cast to shadows.
- D. It uses heavy make-up.
What is the major function of the Gamelan orchestra?
- A. Accompany stage action during the performance.
- B. Accompany ritualistic prayers before the play.
- C. Accompany the singers during the performance.
- D. Accompany stylistic dance presentations.
Which is considered to be the oldest puppet theater in Asia?
- A. Kabuki
- C. Wayang Kulit
- B. Peking Opera
- D. Nang Yai
Which of the following musical instruments is widely used in a Kabuki performance?
- A. Shamisen
- C. Gong
- B. Erhu
- D. Suling
Which among the following orchestras accompany a Wayang Kulit performance?
- A. Hayashi
- C. Piphat
- B. Gamelan
- D. Pinpeat
What division of musical instruments in Peking Opera is mainly used to accompany the singing of the actors and actresses?
- A. Laodan
- C. Wenchang
- B. Wu Sheng
- D. Shamisen
Which of the following theater is the first dramatic entertainment in Japan that was designed for the taste of the common people?
- A. Kabuki
- C. Wayang Kulit
- B. Peking Opera
- D. Nang Yai
Which among the orchestras is characterized as an ensemble of metal instruments such as gongs?
- A. Hayashi
- C. Piphat
- B. Gamelan
- D. Pinpeat
Peking Opera is a combination of four big opera troupes from what province in China?
- A. Sichuan
- C. Anhui
- B. Yunnan
- D. Zhejiang
- What classification of musical instruments is mostly used in Kabuki Theater?
- A. Aerophone
- C. Idiophone
- B. Chordophone
- D. Membranophone
- Which of the following musical instrument is not seen in a Peking Opera?
- A. Gong
- C. Yueqin
- B. Jinghu
- D. Shamisen
- Which of the following best describes Kabuki?
- A. It is uses chordophone instruments.
- B. It is performed using musical instruments.
- C. It is performed in stylized manner which combines acting, singing, and dancing.
- D. It is presented with shadow casting.
- Below are examples of a membranophone except:
- A. Kotsuzumi
- C. Otsuzumi
- B. Kendang
- D. Tabla
- Which of these musical instruments are not included in a Gamelan?
- A. Kendang
- C. Yueqin
- B. Sarong
- D. Shamisen
Lesson 1: Traditional Asian Theater
The pictures below show the different examples of traditional Asian theater and the musical instruments used in these performances.
[photo: Kabuki performers on a stage]
Source: James Mattiske / kabukiteam.weebly.com/performance-style.html
[illustration: drawings of musical instruments, including a flute, a long zither-type instrument, a fish-shaped wooden block, and a lute]
[photo: Peking Opera performers on a stage]
Source: 陈文 / flickr.com/photos/univers-finder/
[illustration: drawings of musical instruments and stands, including a drum, a stringed instrument, and lute-type instruments]
[photo: shadow puppet performance with a puppeteer behind a screen]
Source: ladderdream.blogspot.com/
[illustration: drawings of musical instruments and stands, including a gong rack, drums, a stringed instrument, and a flute]
Can you share what you have observed in each theater performances? How are they different from each other?
What’s In
Let us explore the various forms of theater in Asia and how their performances influence the people through its stories, unique designs, and its music.
[photo: Kabuki performers on a stage with a painted mountain backdrop]
Kabuki of Japan Source: musicalsonline.com/kabuki-theatre/
[photo: shadow puppets silhouetted against a lit screen, with a puppeteer operating them]
Wayang Kulit of Indonesia Source: flydime / flickr.com/photos/98073722@N00/2937726489/
[photo: performers in elaborate costumes and painted face masks on stage]
Peking Opera of China Source: Brian Snelson / flickr.com/photos/exfordy/147068044
There are different forms of theater around Asia. Each form has its unique artistic approach that is rooted in their culture.
What’s New
[illustration: five cartoon faces showing emotions, labeled in order]
Afraid | Confused | Happy | Sad | Surprise
Directions: Draw the emotions reflected in daily life situations, then write your preferred musical instrument/s suited to the emotions given.
| Real life Situations | Emotion | Preferred Musical Instrument/s |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Birthday celebration | ||
| 2. Failing to win a game | ||
| 3. Watching a horror movie | ||
| 4. Winning a lottery | ||
| 5. Job promotion |
What is It
Theater Arts is one of the standard traditions of the people in Asia, particularly in Japan and China. This kind of theater was transmitted from generation to generation. It mirrors or reflects life. Its key principle is selectivity. Through various sorts of theater art, a particular form can convey clarity of story, order, and wonder, which is rarely found in ordinary life.
Asian countries are rich in music. Genres vary from one country to another. This indicates the actors and actresses ignite communicating through musical theater. Would you like to know the styles of the three countries in Asia? If so, let us visit these three countries.
Wayang Kulit
[photo: a shadow puppet performance showing ornate leather puppets against a bright screen]
Source: https://www.indonesia.travel/gb/en/destinations/java/yogyakarta/wayang-kulit
Shadow Puppet Theater is popular in Indonesia and some countries all over the world. It is one of the oldest traditional storytelling which includes puppet material with background music.
“Wayang” is an Indonesian term for theater and “Kulit” means skin which refers to puppet theater performance whose materials are made of leather and has control rods. Another feature of “Wayang Kulit” is it is cast on the shadow.
[photo: a gamelan ensemble of gongs and tuned metal instruments arranged on stands]
Source: http://amc.org.uk/asian-instrument/gamelan-ensemble.html
Music of “Wayang Kulit”
Wayang Kulit is performed with the accompaniment of the Gamelan Ensemble. The “Gamelan” is an orchestra consisting largely of several varieties of gongs and various sets of tuned metal instruments that are struck with mallets.
The bronze content of Gamelan music gives bright, lingering sound, and majestic melodies. Balinese gamelan adds delicate sounds of percussive melody. Its mood has two major dramatic functions that accompany the Dalang.
The Dalang, a specific name for the puppeteer and storyteller who operates the puppets while narrating the story, speaking all of the dialogue, providing the sound effects, and conducting the Gamelan.
Peking Opera
[photo: two scenes of Peking Opera performers on stage in traditional costumes]
Peking Opera performances Sources: 陈文 flickr.com/photos/univers-finder/ & china.org.cn/opinion/2016-04/29/content_38349911.htm
Peking Opera, also known termed as Beijing Opera, is an essential cultural tradition in China. Nearly 200 years ago, four big opera troupes from Anhui
province combined to create what is now known as Peking Opera. It is a synthesis of stylized action, singing, dialogue, mime, dancing, and acrobatic fighting to represent a story or depict different characters and their emotions.
Music of “Peking Opera”
[photo: musicians in traditional robes playing instruments in front of music stands]
Source: http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2019-02/15/c_137824940.htm
The music played in the Peking Opera is not created by a composer, but is based on sets of traditional, codified tunes, with the singing mainly following two sets of tunes. The instruments used are all traditional musical instruments.
There are two divisions of musical instruments in the Peking Opera. The “Wenchang” is mainly there to accompany the singing of the actors and actresses. It features musical instruments such as jinghu, the yuequin, and the pipa. The “Whuchang” is there to accompany the acting, dancing and fighting.
Kabuki Theater
[photo: Kabuki performers on a stage with a painted pine tree backdrop]
Kabuki Theater Source: www.rafu.com/2020/01/cinema-kabuki-at-aratani/
[photo: a large festival float crowded with people, with a performer in white at the top]
Traditional Kabuki Theater Source: livejapan.com/en/article-a0000299/
In modern Japanese, the word “Kabuki” is written in three letters where each letter describes the elements incorporated in this theater arts. “Ka” means to sing, “Bu” means to dance, and “Ki” means to act.
Kabuki was the first dramatic entertainment that was designed for the tastes of the common people in Japan. It is dated at least 400 years where a female dancer, “Okuni”, performed comedic imitations of Buddhist prayers in an empty riverbed. She entertained the people with her singing, dancing, and acting.
Music of “Kabuki”
[photo: performers on a stage with a painted pine backdrop, including musicians seated at the side and a dancer in a white costume]
Source: https://www.afyp.org/blog/2017/1/27/afyp-in-the-know-theater-historychinese-japanese-theater
“Hayashi” is a group of performers who provide musical accompaniment for another theater in Japan called the “Noh.” In Kabuki, several “Shamisen” players are added to the Hayashi along with, depending on the play, traditional percussion instruments such as taiko, wind instruments, and others including those that are used for sound effects.
Although Hayashi in a Noh performance is located on the stage, most Kabuki Hayashi is located in a small room just off-stage and is not visible to the audience but a barred window in the walls of the stage set indicates its location.
What’s More
Theatrical performance can be applied in all life situations because it involves day-to-day events in our life. Kabuki of Japan, Peking Opera of China, and Wayang Kulit of Indonesia are just examples of how people performed their daily activities whether on stage or in actual life events.
Directions: Compare the three Traditional Asian Theater by filling in the information in the table.
| Traditional Asian Theater | Country of Origin | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Wayang Kulit | ||
| Peking Opera | ||
| Kabuki |
What I Have Learned
Directions: Complete the following sentences below.
- Wayang Kulit is a traditional Indonesian theater that _____________________________________________________________.
- Peking Opera is a traditional Chinese theater that _____________________________________________________________.
- Kabuki is a traditional Japanese theater that _____________________________________________________________.
What I Can Do
Directions: Fill in the table of the appropriate answers in each column.
| Traditional Asian Theater | Ensemble | Instruments |
|---|---|---|
| Wayang Kulit | Gamelan | |
| Peking Opera | Chinese Orchestra | |
| Kabuki | Hayashi |
Assessment
Directions: Choose the letter of the correct answer. Write the chosen letter on a separate sheet of paper.
Which of the following best describes Kabuki?
- A. It is combined mainly with martial arts and karate.
- B. It is means sing, dance, and act.
- C. It uses puppets cast to shadows.
- D. It uses heavy make-up.
Who is the most important person in a Wayang Kulit performance?
- A. Balang
- B. Dalang
- C. Galang
- D. Wayang
Which is considered to be the oldest puppet theater in Asia?
- A. Kabuki
- B. Peking Opera
- C. Wayang Kulit
- D. Nang Yai
What is the major function of the Gamelan orchestra?
- A. Accompany stage action during the performance.
- B. Accompany ritualistic prayers before the play.
- C. Accompany the singers during the performance.
- D. Accompany stylistic dance presentations.
Which among the following orchestras accompany a Wayang Kulit performance?
- A. Hayashi
- B. Gamelan
- C. Piphat
- D. Pinpeat
Which of the following musical instruments is widely used in a Kabuki performance?
- A. Shamisen
- B. Erhu
- C. Gong
- D. Suling
Which of the following theater is the first dramatic entertainment in Japan that was designed for the taste of the common people?
- A. Kabuki
- B. Peking Opera
- C. Wayang Kulit
- D. Nang Yai
Which among the orchestras is characterized as an ensemble of metal instruments such as gongs?
- A. Hayashi
- B. Gamelan
- C. Piphat
- D. Pinpeat
Peking Opera is a combination of four big opera troupes from what province in China?
- A. Sichuan
- B. Yunnan
- C. Anhui
- D. Zhejiang
What division of musical instruments in Peking Opera is mainly used to accompany the singing of the actors and actresses?
- A. Laodan
- B. Wu Sheng
- C. Wenchang
- D. Shamisen
What classification of musical instruments is mostly used in Kabuki Theater?
- A. Aerophone
- B. Chordophone
- C. Idiophone
- D. Membranophone
Which of the following musical instrument is not seen in a Peking Opera?
- A. Gong
- B. Jinghu
- C. Yueqin
- D. Shamisen
Which of the following best describes Kabuki?
- A. It is uses chordophone instruments.
- B. It is performed using musical instruments.
- C. It is performed in stylized manner which combines acting, singing, and dancing.
- D. It is presented with shadow casting.
Below are examples of a membranophone except:
- A. Kotsuzumi
- B. Kendang
- C. Otsuzumi
- D. Tabla
Which of these musical instruments are not included in a Gamelan?
- A. Kendang
- B. Sarong
- C. Yueqin
- D. Shamisen
Additional Activities
Directions: Choose what kind of person you want to be as you react to these real life situations.Your reactions are represented with the popular musical instruments of Traditional Asian Theater. Draw a guitar for a neutral reactions, flute for a positive and drums for a negative reactions.
| Real life situations as a Student | Neutral [illustration: guitar-type stringed instrument] | Positive [illustration: flute] | Negative [illustration: gongs on a stand] |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. You are constantly bullied by your classmates. | |||
| 2. You are disciplined by your parents at home. | |||
| 3. Your parents bought you new gadgets. | |||
| 4. Your family will have a vacation this summer. | |||
| 5. Your parents cannot afford to send you to school because of poverty. |
Answer Key
[transcriber’s note: this page is printed rotated 180 degrees; the text below is transcribed in reading order after rotation]
WHAT I KNOW
- B
- B
- A
- C
- A
- B
- C
- A
- B
- C
- B
- A
- C
- B
- C
WHAT’S NEW
Answers may vary.
WHAT’S MORE
Wayang Kulit Country: Indonesia Characteristics: Shadow Puppet
Peking Opera Country: China Characteristics: Singing, dancing, acting and acrobatics
Kabuki Country: Japan Characteristics: Singing, dancing and acting
WHAT I HAVE LEARNED
Answers will depend on the students.
WHAT CAN I DO
Answers may vary.
ASSESSMENT
- B
- B
- C
- A
- B
- A
- A
- B
- C
- C
- B
- A
- C
- B
- C
ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES
Answers may vary.
References
Books:
- “Music and Arts of Asia-Grade 8 First Module”.
Anido, Belinda R, 2013. Book Media Press, Inc.
Websites:
Carlo Luna Teacher at DepEd Angeles City Follow. “Japanese Theater – MAPEH 8 (Music 4th Quarter).” SlideShare. Accessed April 28, 2021. https://www.slideshare.net/iamcarloluna/mapeh-8-music-4th-quarter-japanese-theater.
https://int.search.myway.com/search/AJimage.jhtml.https://int.search.myway.com/search/AJimage.searchfor=Wayang Kulit artist making puppetry
For inquiries or feedback, please write or call:
Department of Education – Bureau of Learning Resources (DepEd-BLR)
Ground Floor, Bonifacio Bldg., DepEd Complex Meralco Avenue, Pasig City, Philippines 1600
Telefax: (632) 8634-1072; 8634-1054; 8631-4985
Email Address: blr.lrqad@deped.gov.ph * blr.lrpd@deped.gov.ph
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