Asian theater originated from ritualistic dance dramas where dance and music play an important role. The actors wore masks and makeup that were symbolic of the character's social status and qualities. Costume design and color were also symbolic while the stage was kept simple. Female roles were normally played by males in traditional Japanese puppet theater, which involved puppeteers, chanters, and shamisen players using a three-stringed instrument played with a plectrum.

2. Asian theater originated from ritualistic dance
drama.
Dance and music play an important role in Asian
theater, which is intensely symbolic.
The actors wore mask and highly artificial mask-
like make-up, whose color and appearance indicate
the character’s social statues and qualities.
The design and color of costumes are also
symbolic
The stage is simple.
Female roles are normally undertaken by males.

8. A traditional Japanese puppet theater. There are 3 kinds of performers.
These are the puppeteers, the chanters, and the
Shamisen players.
3 stringed instrument played with a pectum or bachi.
They also used other instruments such as taiko
drums.