This course is designed to provide students with an overview of the many traditions of Asian Theatre and to explore methods of “virtual fieldwork." In this context, “Asian" is very broadly used to include the theatre of SE Asian countries as well. The course's primary objective is to familiarize students with the basic characteristics, aesthetics, history, literature, and cultural contexts of a wide range of Asian theatrical traditions. While primary emphasis will be placed upon more traditional forms (those less influenced by northern European models), we will also discuss contemporary practice and fusion experiments, including inter-cultural collaborations