Transcript Japanese Theatre

Japanese Theater
Noh
Kabuki
Created By
David Kov
Justin Pace
Madison Johnson
Makayla Mortensen
Logan Fulgham
Hayley 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 now
Revolving Stage- used to make quick scene
changes.
Color, Style, Costumes
Hanamichi/ “flower walk”- aisle down
middle of audience
Japanese Theatre Today
Japanese theatre today has not
changed much since the early
performances
Noh:能
It is performed since the 14th century
It later influenced other drama forms such
as Kabuki
According 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 names
Usually 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)
Stage
Noh 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: skill
Therefore sometimes it translated as
“the art of singing and dancing”
History
The 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.
Sources
http://83.143.248.39/faculty/ndelchev/
presentacii/2_Japanese%20Theater.ppt
#256,1,Japanese%20Theater%20%20
Noh%20Kabuki%20Bunraku
http://original.britannica.com/eb/art94505/A-Bunraku-performance-inOsaka-Japan