Sunday, February 21, 2010

Elements of Japanese Noh Theater


After watching this video above and reading the textbook, my list of major elements of Japanese Noh Theater are as follows:

1) Props and settings used as symbols
This element is self-explanatory. The props used would be that of the mask like the one in the video.

2) Actors using stylized gestures to represent emotions
The book says that these gestures are typically familiar with the audience. After watching this video several times, I can say I am personally not familiar with these conventions. Your guess is as good as mine.

3) Nonpulsitile music from an ensemble (hayashi)
These dramas would be nothing without the hayashi. This ensemble sets the mood and environment. The hayashi is made up of four instruments: the nohkan bamboo flute and three small drums. The drummers also shout different things called kakegoe. In this particular video, I'm not sure what they are shouting but the textbook claims it is very important.


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