These ancient plays were performed in temples and royal courts, and were often based on religious or mythological stories. The two major types of Sanskrit drama are Nataka, which is a serious play, and Prakarana, which is a lighter, comic play. These dramas were characterized by elaborate costumes, music, and dance, and were written in verse. In China, traditional theater forms such as Peking opera and Kunqu opera have been popular for centuries. Peking opera, also known as Beijing opera, is a colorful and highly stylized form of performance art that combines singing, acting, and acrobatics. Kunqu opera is another ancient form of Chinese theater that dates back to the 14th century. Both of these traditional forms of Chinese theater have been recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
