Noh is one of the oldest art forms of ancient Japan. In general, Japanese Noh plays are not very dramatic. It is a poetic slow dance of the supernatural world. Paul Binnie explains that "it is this very beauty which makes Noh a living art form still, over six hundred years after it developed, and which has caused all subsequent Japanese theatrical forms to draw on aspects of Noh." Noh has inspired other forms of Japanese theatre, such as Kabuki, where technical aspects of Noh perform ace have been adopted and transformed.
Scene from Yuya, a Noh play attributed to Zeami, showing (left foreground) the shite (principal actor) and (right foreground) waki (supporting actor). The hayashi (musicians) are seated in front of the pine tree painted on the kagami-ita (rear wall); the jiutai (chorus) sits at right; and a koken (stage assistant) sits at the left. A portion of the hashigakari (ramp leading to stage) is at far left.
This picture by Kunihei Kameda and description from the online britannica encyclopedia.
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Kabuki, literally meaning the Art of Song and Dance, contrasts to older Japanese art forms, such as Noh. Noh "speaks to modern audiences as it did to the noblemen and women of the Muromachi period." Whereas, Kabuki was popular among townspeople--not of the higher social classes.
Founded in 1610, Minami-za (seen in the photos on the right) is the oldest Kabuki theatre located in Kyoto, Japan where historical stories of moral conflicts in love relationships and the like are still performed. Plays are also delivered in a old fashioned language, which makes Kabuki a challenge to understand. The actors speak in a monotonous voice and are accompanied by traditional Japanese instruments.
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For more information visit the Japanese Theatre Index:
For examples of Noh masks visit Mask
Quoted phrases were taken from the following website:
4 comments:
4 years ago I was lucky enough to watch a Noh performace. It was very confusing (since at that time my Japanese was less than it is now)... Also, because of how slow the play evolves, it was difficult to pay attention. Nonetheless, it was a great cultural experience. It was really something to experience an old art, such as this one.
Greetings from Manila. Your blogs about Japan is interesting and I do hope to visit Japan again some day...hopefully soon. There is so much art and culture to learn and see.
Cheers,
Gil
A little general... Yes, Noh and kabuki are important and interesting. Have you ever seen them? I would like to read what you thought about the actual performances.
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