Noh

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Noh stage Miyajima Sep2008

Karaori Garment (Noh costume), Edo period, 18th century, bamboo and chrysanthemum design on red and white checkered ground - Tokyo National Museum - DSC06159

Nogaku-In-the Noh-Theatre-by-Ogata-Gekko-1891

KANZE Sakon Ataka

Noh or Nō is a major form of classical Japanese theatre that has been performed since the 14th century. Developed by Kan'ami and his son Zeami, it is the oldest major theatre art that is still regularly performed today. Traditionally, a Noh "program" consists of five Noh plays with comedic kyogen plays in between; an all-day event rarely seen in the modern era.

Origins and History

Noh originated from the combination of Shinto ritual dances, known as kagura, and various popular entertainments and folk dances of the time. The art form was significantly refined and developed by Kan'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.

Characteristics

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 shite, often wears a mask to represent women, ghosts, or deities, while the secondary actor, or waki, usually does not. The performance is supported by a chorus, known as jiutai, and musicians playing traditional instruments like the flute, taiko (drum), and shamisen (a three-stringed instrument).

Themes and Aesthetics

Noh plays often explore themes of transformation, the supernatural, and the expression of the essence, or yugen, of the subject. Yugen 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.

Types of Noh Plays

Noh plays are categorized into five main types, each focusing on different themes: 1. God plays (Kami mono) - Featuring deities, often revealing the deity's power and benevolence. 2. Warrior plays (Shura mono) - Centering on the spirits of warriors, reflecting on their past deeds and fate after death. 3. Women plays (Kazura mono) - Focusing on female characters, often involving themes of love and loss. 4. Madness plays (Kyoujo mono) - Exploring the theme of madness, usually as a result of love or loss. 5. Demon plays (Kiri mono or Oni mono) - Featuring supernatural beings or demons, often with a focus on redemption or enlightenment.

Modern Noh

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's rich heritage.

See Also

• Kyogen
• Kabuki
• Bunraku
• Japanese culture
• Theatre of Japan

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