Curtains up! A Historical Perspective on Drama.

In this episode, Rohan explores the often-overlooked aspects of theater production, highlighting the vital roles of stage managers, costume designers, lighting designers, and directors. The conversation delves into how these unsung heroes contribute to the storytelling process, ensuring that every performance runs smoothly and captivates the audience. From the intricate details of props to the coo...

In this special episode of Curtains Up, Rohan and Professor Carol Symes explore the rich history of medieval theater, discussing its origins, the influence of the church, and the evolution of performance arts. They delve into how community and religious practices shaped theatrical traditions, the power dynamics surrounding theater, and the lasting impact of medieval practices on modern performance...

In this episode, we explore the evolution of theater during the medieval period, from liturgical drama performed in churches to vernacular mystery and morality plays staged in public squares. We will discover how the church influenced dramatic structure, content, and performance spaces, and how guilds and traveling troupes contributed to a vibrant theatrical culture. Key Themes include Liturgical...

Join me in conversation with Professor Xing Fan who is a specialist in Chinese drama, theatre, and performance culture, with research interests in Asian performance aesthetics, historiography, intercultural collaborations, and gender studies. She is the author of Staging Revolution and has contributed peer-reviewed articles, translations, and essays to various academic journals and books. A practi...

Step into the mesmerizing world of ancient Chinese theater! In this episode of Curtains Up! , we journey through time to explore how performance arts evolved from sacred rituals in the Zhou Dynasty to the breathtaking spectacle of Peking Opera. Discover the theatrical innovations of the Tang Dynasty’s Pear Garden, the poetic dramas of the Yuan Dynasty, and the vibrant artistry of Ming and Qing ope...

In today’s special episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on one of the most intriguing—and sometimes eerie—elements of theater: Superstitions. My friends Neil and Luke joins me in a conversation explaining some of the fascinating ones. From the infamous ‘Scottish play’ to the mysterious ‘break a leg,’ we’ll explore the rituals and beliefs that have been passed down through generations of actors,...

Join me in a conversation with Ms. Chandrayee, one of the prominent Kathak dancers in Seattle. We learn that Kathak is more than just a dance—it’s a storytelling art that blends grace, rhythm, and expression. Rooted in the royal courts and temples of India, this classical dance form captivates audiences with intricate footwork, rapid spins, and emotive gestures. Ms. Chandrayee's performances embod...

Join me in this captivating episode of Curtains Up: A Historical Perspective on Drama as we journey to ancient India to explore the mesmerizing world of Sanskrit drama. Discover the profound influence of the Natya Shastra, Bharata's timeless guide to performance arts, and unravel the concept of rasa — the emotional essence at the heart of Indian theater. Don’t miss this episode packed with history...

Join me and a very special guest speaker, Professor Scott Magelssen from University of Washington, School of Drama as we talk about ancient theater in roman history!

Join me as we dive into the depths of 2 very special and important playwrights from Ancient Rome: Plautus and Seneca!

Our very first episode! Dive into the depths of ancient tragedies made by the 3 most important playwrights of the time.