TAI.THAI.TAE.

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis is to explore the multiple cultures and histories of Martial Arts and the countries from which they stem. Through this exploration I would like to provide a portal for the performance world to grasp and expand the artistic values and uses of Martial Arts as an art form in its own right. Martial Arts are a pluralistic and global platform, which can be utilized in performance and beyond to create an understanding of the world we live in. They are an unlimited source of culture and history. I have employed the three Martial Arts of Tai Chi, Muay Thai, and Taekwondo in a performance to showcase that even within Asia, there are massive differences in culture, history, music, clothing, language and movement between disciplines. These differences can be seen in the Martial Arts of each country. Furthermore, though this exploration I have become a student fascinated with the clothing of each disciple and its place in the arts. The use of Martial Arts is limitless to those willing to understand and accept it, and can create a path to understanding the heterogeneous world we live in just by exploring its vast well of knowledge. It can bring people of different cultures and histories together, helping people of the world understand each other.