Rikosandi Theater
A tradition of plays and dance that is known for using the unintelligible languages of Rikosand as a feature
History
In the region of Rikosand, the wide isolating expanses have led to it being common that two tribes' languages might be mutually unintelligible. This led to a building up of nonverbal communication through mime. This expanded into their ways of storytelling and thus evolved into a type of Informal theater that was aimed at making the plot clear even if people in the audience do not understand what is being said. This is done by incorporating techniques like Mime, Interpretive dance, Overly dramatic Body movements, facial expressions, and Stock Character "masks".
Because of the tradition of making things as clear as possible for those who do not speak the language to understand, it has gained wide popularity outside its native range. One has the possibility of seeing a Rikosandi Play as far north as Nomlia
Components and tools
One common tool in the plays is Stock character "masks". These are normally large wooden planks carved or painted into faces to display an actor as playing a common role. While they are sometimes worn over the face, it is common for the mask to be worn across the chest so the use of one face can be included in the performance.
Participants
- The Evil Sorceror- a round scowling face with red flambes emanating from the mouth and eyes. Normally a villain.
- The Brut: a square scowling face with teeth exposed. Often a villain but not always.
- The Clever Hero: A round laughing face, painted with blue or green vertical lines. Normally the hero of the play
- The strong Hero: A Squar Face with a neutral expression with red horizontal lines. Normally the hero
- The waif: A circular face that resembles someone sleeping. Normally a young person is saved somehow.
- The Queen: A Circular face with a Focused expression. Yellow Arches.
- The Cleaver fool: A Laughing face with its tongue out and Yellow checks. A character that most of the others think is stupid or beneath them but in fact the smartest among them.
- The Fop: A smiling face with a bleeding tongue and spirals in the eyes. A high-class person who believes themselves better than all but in fact very stupid.
- The wise Idiot: A character who knows much about life but has little formal education
- The foolish Doctor: one who has a lot of book smarts and little practical or common knowledge.
Observance
The plays are common at the meeting of two groups and are a sign of friendship. Most diplomatic interactions will include watching at least one short play.
Plays are also often done on major feast days and holy days.
Primary Related Location
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