Page 42 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide: Japan

40  INTRODUCING JAP AN

Japanese Traditional Theater

Four major types of traditional theater are still performed
regularly in Japan: Noh, Kyogen, Kabuki, and Bunraku (see
p112 and p188). Originating in Shinto rites, Noh was first
performed by Kan’ami Kiyotsugu (1333–84) and developed
by his son Zeami. Adopted by the daimyo (feudal lords),
Noh became more ritualistic and ceremonial. Gradually its
farcical elements were confined to a separate form, Kyogen.
By the 17th century, people wanted a more comprehensible A Noh play is being
and entertaining form of drama, and Kabuki evolved from performed for the imperial
household in this 1863
Noh, starting in Kyoto. A form of puppet theater, Bun raku, woodblock print by
like Kabuki, was aimed at the general populace. Taiso Yoshitoshi.
The backdrop is a single pine tree, Noh actors may be men or
epitomizing the simplicity of Noh staging. women but the majority are men.

Noh
An austere, restrained, and powerful theatrical Musicians playing A chorus of six to eight
traditional drums and flutes
form, Noh is performed on a bare, three-sided sit at the back of the stage people sit to one side and
cypress-wood stage roofed like a shrine, with an and accompany the actors. comment on the action.
entrance ramp to one side. One or two masked
characters appear at a time. Their slow, choreo-
graphed actions (kata) are performed to music.
Kyogen evolved from comic interludes
devised as relief from the demanding
nature of Noh. A down-to-earth, collo-
quial form, its characters highlight
human foibles and frailties. Masks are
rarely used, and costumes are plain. The
actors wear distinctive yellow tabi socks.

Noh costumes are
Noh masks are worn by the leading usually richly deco rated
characters; the greatest masks are and heavy. Many layers
classified as National Treasures. The are worn to make the
mask on the right represents a samurai, actors seem larger and
and on the far right, a demon. more imposing.

040-041_EW_Japan.indd 40 08/08/16 3:05 pm
Eyewitness Travel LAYERS PRINTED:
Feature template “UK” LAYER
(SourceReport v1.3)
Date 18th October 2012
Size 125mm x 217mm