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<p>CSV import</p> <p><b>New page</b></p><div>[[File:Unesco_Cultural_Heritage_logo.svg|Unesco Cultural Heritage logo|thumb]] [[File:Noh_stage_Miyajima_Sep2008.jpg|Noh stage Miyajima Sep2008|thumb|left]] [[File:Karaori_Garment_(Noh_costume),_Edo_period,_18th_century,_bamboo_and_chrysanthemum_design_on_red_and_white_checkered_ground_-_Tokyo_National_Museum_-_DSC06159.JPG|Karaori Garment (Noh costume), Edo period, 18th century, bamboo and chrysanthemum design on red and white checkered ground - Tokyo National Museum - DSC06159|thumb|left]] [[File:Nogaku-In-the_Noh-Theatre-by-Ogata-Gekko-1891.png|Nogaku-In-the Noh-Theatre-by-Ogata-Gekko-1891|thumb]] [[File:KANZE_Sakon_Ataka.jpg|KANZE Sakon Ataka|thumb]] &#039;&#039;&#039;Noh&#039;&#039;&#039; or &#039;&#039;&#039;Nō&#039;&#039;&#039; is a major form of classical [[Japanese theatre]] that has been performed since the 14th century. Developed by [[Kan&#039;ami]] and his son [[Zeami]], it is the oldest major theatre art that is still regularly performed today. Traditionally, a Noh &quot;program&quot; consists of five Noh plays with comedic [[kyogen]] plays in between; an all-day event rarely seen in the modern era.<br /> <br /> == Origins and History ==<br /> Noh originated from the combination of [[Shinto]] ritual dances, known as &#039;&#039;kagura&#039;&#039;, and various popular entertainments and folk dances of the time. The art form was significantly refined and developed by Kan&#039;ami and Zeami under the patronage of the [[Ashikaga shogunate]], particularly [[Ashikaga Yoshimitsu]], who was a great patron of the arts. Zeami, in particular, is credited with the development of the aesthetic principles that define Noh, as well as writing many of the plays still performed today.<br /> <br /> == Characteristics ==<br /> Noh is characterized by its minimalist stage, the use of masks by the main actors, and the slow, deliberate movements of the performers. The stage is typically a simple wooden structure, with a painted pine tree at the back, symbolizing the connection to nature and the spiritual world. The main actor, or &#039;&#039;[[shite]]&#039;&#039;, often wears a mask to represent women, ghosts, or deities, while the secondary actor, or &#039;&#039;[[waki]]&#039;&#039;, usually does not. The performance is supported by a chorus, known as &#039;&#039;[[jiutai]]&#039;&#039;, and musicians playing traditional instruments like the &#039;&#039;[[flute]]&#039;&#039;, &#039;&#039;[[taiko]]&#039;&#039; (drum), and &#039;&#039;[[shamisen]]&#039;&#039; (a three-stringed instrument).<br /> <br /> == Themes and Aesthetics ==<br /> Noh plays often explore themes of transformation, the supernatural, and the expression of the essence, or &#039;&#039;[[yugen]]&#039;&#039;, of the subject. &#039;&#039;Yugen&#039;&#039; is a key aesthetic value in Noh, suggesting beauty and profundity found in the subtle and the intangible. The slow pace and minimal action in Noh are designed to evoke a meditative atmosphere, allowing the audience to contemplate the deeper meanings of the play.<br /> <br /> == Types of Noh Plays ==<br /> Noh plays are categorized into five main types, each focusing on different themes:<br /> 1. &#039;&#039;[[God plays]]&#039;&#039; (&#039;&#039;Kami mono&#039;&#039;) - Featuring deities, often revealing the deity&#039;s power and benevolence.<br /> 2. &#039;&#039;[[Warrior plays]]&#039;&#039; (&#039;&#039;Shura mono&#039;&#039;) - Centering on the spirits of warriors, reflecting on their past deeds and fate after death.<br /> 3. &#039;&#039;[[Women plays]]&#039;&#039; (&#039;&#039;Kazura mono&#039;&#039;) - Focusing on female characters, often involving themes of love and loss.<br /> 4. &#039;&#039;[[Madness plays]]&#039;&#039; (&#039;&#039;Kyoujo mono&#039;&#039;) - Exploring the theme of madness, usually as a result of love or loss.<br /> 5. &#039;&#039;[[Demon plays]]&#039;&#039; (&#039;&#039;Kiri mono&#039;&#039; or &#039;&#039;Oni mono&#039;&#039;) - Featuring supernatural beings or demons, often with a focus on redemption or enlightenment.<br /> <br /> == Modern Noh ==<br /> Today, Noh is performed by a number of professional troupes in [[Japan]], and there is a growing interest in the art form internationally. While traditional all-day performances are rare, shorter programs and individual plays are regularly staged. Modern productions sometimes adapt or reinterpret traditional plays to make them more accessible to contemporary audiences, while still respecting the art form&#039;s rich heritage.<br /> <br /> == See Also ==<br /> * [[Kyogen]]<br /> * [[Kabuki]]<br /> * [[Bunraku]]<br /> * [[Japanese culture]]<br /> * [[Theatre of Japan]]<br /> <br /> [[Category:Japanese theatre]]<br /> [[Category:Noh]]<br /> {{Theatre-stub}}</div>

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