Japanese Noh Theatre https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ModfyW8wDvo

What is Noh? Formed early 14th Century Oldest transmitted performance art in the world Japenese Noh actors are always male. Actors have to come from acting families and begin as early as 4 or 5 Influenced by Buddism Founded by Zeami (Zay-ahmee)

Simplicity Unlike Kabuki, Noh is based on simplicity No scenery and little if any props are used Audience is not separated by a curtain Chorus and musicians are onstage Instead of pursuing realism, Noh pursues the expression of inner movement through spoken word, music and dance in an extremely simplified space.

Forms and elements Most Noh dramas are based on popular classic stories among ordinary people

Characters in Noh The protagonist is called “shite” who plays a god, ghost of a samurai or woman, madwoman, or supernatural characters such as a goblin or the spirit of a dragon The “waki” is a side character and a living person The waki is often a wandering monk and/or a foe of the shite This creates a structure where a living person meets shite, a diseased character, who seeks salvation through the living person Noh has minimal characters, it is not unusual that a drama is played by two characters

The noh stage

The noh stage A Noh stage is an extremely simplified space which does not have a drop or drawn curtain between the stage and the auditorium (kensho).

The noh stage

Masks Emotional expression is extremely difficult 60 basic types of masks and over 200 different kinds of masks Covering the face with a mask is related to the transformation of a person, just like make-up. It is said that a Noh mask has an element of spell, which provides spiritual power to the Noh actor. Emotional expression is extremely difficult Noh actors give expression through the well known gestures Simple and miniscule movements of the mask expresses the subtleties of human emotion

Types of masks Otoko Man Jo Elder Onna Woman

Types of masks Kishin Demon

Types of masks Onryo Ghost & Spirit Kishin Demon

Props Usually very simple, also very rare Ship Cobweb

Chants and music Music is composed of vocal (utai) and instrumental (hayashi) performed by the actors or the Jiutai (chorus) who describe the events, scenery and emotion of the characters, but are NOT characters on stage The hayashi is composed of four instruments Fue or Nohkan - flute Kotsuzumi – small hand or shoulder drum Ozutsumi – large hand drum Taiko – drum beaten with sticks http://www2.ntj.jac.go.jp/unesco/noh/en/roles_musical.html

costume A typical costume include the karaori (outer robe) which is extremely ornate