Japanese Theatre Noh

Did you Noh…. Noh is a highly stylized form of theatre that enacts stories from Japan’s classical literature.

The Plays Content of the Noh play is almost always tragic. Written in prose or in verse Performances are a day long, but the Noh play itself are very short (1 hr)

The Stage

The stage Temple roof supported by 4 columns First Actor, Pillar, Mark Pillar, and Flute Players Pillar Each of these represents either the placement of the actor’s entrance, or the part of the stage in which the musician stands Hurry door- used by minor characters, musicians, stage assistants for quick entrances and exits. 3 real small pine trees They stand for heaven, earth, and man along the pebble path Epiphany Pine- painted on the center wall representing spirituality.

The Stage breakdown Pine Representing Heaven Pine Representing Man The Pebble Path Staircase Pine Representing Earth

Masks & Costumes Noh masks can convey several different emotions and pictures Masks are worn when portraying a female or supernatural beings Costumes do not resemble the SES of the character they portray.

Japanese Theatre Kabuki

What is Kabuki? Kabuki- meaning “off balance” or “unconventional” Ka for music, bu for dance, and ki for skill An energetic form of theatre that began around 1600 by Okuni. She drew inspiration from Buddhist dances with contemporary forms Plays that once lasted a full day, but today only last about 5 hours. Includes themes of feuds, revenge, adventure, and romance

Kabuki Acting Highly stylized form of story telling The audience is aware they are in the theatre watching a play. Actors specialize in certain characters. Movement is also stylized

The Plays The text of the play is less important than the acting. To reveal emotions they display exaggerated facial expressions and strike dramatic poses. Very similar to Western musicals

The Stage Combines a proscenium stage and a thrust stage. Who can tell me what these are? Hamamichi- “Flower path” The stage connects to a ramp that runs to the rear of the auditorium. This runway is used by actors for dramatic entrances and exits. Musicians sit on stage

Role of Women in Kabuki Okuni began origins of Kabuki in Japanese culture However, in the mid 1600’s women were banned from kabuki for engaging in prostitution. As a result male Kabuki performers were then to portray women on stage, thus creating ONNAGATA

Role of Men in Kabuki When women became banned men began to portray female roles (just like Shakespeare) Studying the art of Kabuki is begun in childhood It is an art that is passed down over generations.

Spectacle- Makeup Known as Kumadori Not realistic looking The face is painted with white and bold lines, mostly red or blue. Red lines= Virtue/ strength Blue= Evil

Spectacle- Costumes & Scenery

What are some differences between Noh and Kabuki? Differenes Similarities Noh uses masks, Kabuki uses makeup Noh is subtle in movemnts, Kabuki is loud

Bunraku Japanese Theatre

What is Bunraku? Japanese puppet theatre! First signs of use in the 16th century Flourished in 1872- 19th C. This is not what western culture thinks of when they think of puppet show

What Makes it Different? These puppets are NOT marrionets, sock or hand puppets. Bunraku puppets stand about about 3 feet tall They are controlled by a series of pullies and strings controlled by 3 puppeteers Another unique component is that they control facial expressions as well (Think Sesame Street, but cooler!)

The Play The first “townsfolk” plays The plays first started out more historical, legendary, or heroic tales Then turned to actual incidents- like love suicide

Puppeteers These puppeteers are seen by the audience- very different from western theatre The main puppeteer controls the head The main puppeteer’s face remains uncovered The other puppeteers are in blacks from head to toe. This creates the idea that they are “invisible” to the audience.

Cont. The puppeteers become one with the puppet. They all must work together to create a realistic character through the puppet. It can take years to become the main puppeteer- can take up to thirty years!