Japanese Noh Theatre

Japanese Noh Theater

The first type, the kami (“god”) play, involves a sacred story of a Shintō

shrine

Different types of Noh plays

The second, shura mono (“fighting play”), centers on warriors

Definition-

A form of theatrical performance in which the actors, rather than enact the story, tell the stories through visual metaphor

Noh-

it's name derived from no, meaning “talent” or “skill”

the fourth type, varied in content, includes the gendai mono (“present-day play”), in which the story is contemporary and “realistic” rather than legendary and supernatural, and the kyōjo mono (“madwoman play”), in which the protagonist becomes insane through the loss of a lover or child

the third, katsura mono (“wig play”), has a female protagonist

the fifth type, the kiri or kichiku (“final” or “demon”) play, features devils, strange beasts, and supernatural beings.

Different Roles

the principal actor, or shite

A typical Noh play is relatively short. Its dialogue is sparse, serving as a mere frame for the movement and music.

A standard Noh program consists of three plays selected from the five types so as to achieve both an artistic unity and the desired mood

the subordinate actor, or waki

the kyōgen actors, one of whom is often involved in Noh plays as a narrator

Fact:

Generally, the audience already understands the plot of the play and they are meant to appreciate the subtle allusions to Japanese culture.

Mask of Obeshimi

1.This mask portrays a Tengu, or a demon also referred to as a Kishin. They are used in mythological plays about human contact with mythological forces.

2.Kishin are divided into two sub-categories: Tobide (fierce demonic gods/spirits) and beshimi (goblins and lesser demons). Obeshimi are simply beshimi.

Citation

Mask of Chujo

1.This mask represents an Otoko-men, a male human. It is used to portray men from common to normal

2.The mask was originally modeled after the poet Ariwara no Narihira, and is often used to portray his character.

Noh Masks

"Redirect Notice." Google, www.google.com/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.britannica.com%2Fart%2FNoh-theatre.

Noh - Wikipedia." Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia, Wikimedia Foundation, Inc, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noh. Accessed 8 Feb. 2017.

Mask of Shakumi

1.This mask represents an Onna-men, a female human. It is usually the look of a middle-aged woman with a faded, youthful expression.

2.These are the most popular and well-known Noh masks.

Noh masks are carved from blocks of Japanese cypress, and painted with natural pigments on a neutral base of glue and crunched seashell. There are approximately 450 different masks mostly based on sixty types, all of which have distinctive names. Some masks are representative and frequently used in many different plays, while some are very specific and may only be used in one or two plays.

Mask of Kawazu

1.This mask represents an Onryo, which is a ghost that has come to the land of the living with a desire for vengeance.

2.The mask specifically represents the ghost of a poor man who has drowned.

Japanese Noh Theater

By: Christopher Munoz & Emmanuel Ozowalu