Japanese Theater

NohKabuki

Created ByDavid KovJustin PaceMadison JohnsonMakayla MortensenLogan FulghamHayley Yates

Origins

The first Noh plays emerged from the ritualistic dance of the Shinto religion.

Prominent Playwrights

Kyoka Izumi- wrote “The Operating Room,” “The Holy Man of Mount Kaya,” and “Night Watchman”

Isumo no Okuni- First performer/author in Kabuki

Contributions to Theatre nowRevolving Stage- used to make quick scene

changes. Color, Style, CostumesHanamichi/ “flower walk”- aisle down

middle of audience

Japanese Theatre TodayJapanese theatre today has not

changed much since the early performances

Noh: 能It is performed since the 14th centuryIt later influenced other drama forms such

as KabukiAccording to Zeami who brought Noh, all

Noh should create an aesthetic ideals called “Yugen”(subtle) and performed spirit and “Hana”(novelty).

Mask

Noh is unique its slow and its use of distinctive masks

All masks have namesUsually only Shite, the main player, takes the

mask. However in some cases the Tsure may also take mask particularly for female roles. The Noh masks are used to portray a female or nonhuman character (divine, demon, animal)

StageNoh play takes place on a stage made of

Hinoki wood (cypress)Stage is bare with the exception of the

“kagamiita”, a painting of pine tree at the back of the stage.

Another unique features of the stage is the “Higashigakari”, the narrow bridge to the left of the stage that the principal actors use to enter the stage

Costumes

In contrast to the unadorned stage, costumes are lavish. Especially those in the Shite role wear rich silk brocades.

Kabuki: 歌舞伎

歌 : sing舞 : dance伎 : skillTherefore sometimes it translated as

“the art of singing and dancing”

HistoryThe history of Kabuki began in 1603 when

Okuni who called herself a priestess began performing a new style of dance drama in Kyoto. Female performers played both men and women. It was bout ordinary life. The style was instantly popular. Rival troupes quickly formed and Kabuki was born as ensemble dance drama performed by women. Much of its appeal in this era was due to the ribald, suggestive performances put on by many of the imitators; these actresses were often available for prostitution.

Stage

Kabuki stage and theaters have steadily become more technologically sophisticated and innovations including revolving stages and trap doors.

The kabuki stage features a projection called “Hanamichi” ( 花 道 ： literally flower path) which is a walkway extends into the audience and via which dramatic entranced exits are made.

Sourceshttp://83.143.248.39/faculty/

ndelchev/presentacii/2_Japanese%20Theater.ppt#256,1,Japanese

%20Theater%20%20Noh%20Kabuki%20Bunraku

http://original.britannica.com/eb/art-94505/A-Bunraku-performance-in-

Osaka-Japan