Explore

Classical Japanese Theater (Noh), Kyoto

Knowing about the world of Noh, where realism and spirituality meet on stage.

By 4 min read 2

In my most recent trip to Kyoto, I had the unique opportunity to attend a performance of Japan’s oldest theatrical art form known as Noh. The name Noh (能) itself is derived from the Japanese word for “ability” and “talent,” and this was immediately evident from the theatrical performance staged by the actors and musicians from the Oe Noh troupe (大江能楽堂).

This sublime form of storytelling is narrated through dance, music, and elaborate costumes completed with a mask that conjure up a magical atmosphere that moves between the natural and supernatural realm. Although audiences must typically go to a “Noh stage”—an austere square stage with no curtains—to enjoy a Noh performance, our tour group was treated to an intimate show inside the Hosen-in Temple with its framed garden landscape (The Bankan-en Garden) acting as the breathtaking backdrop.

Noh performances bring characters to life and captivate the audience’s attention through their use of striking masks

The best way to visually describe Noh’s distinct performing style would be in contrast to Kabuki Theater’s use of extravagant stage makeup. Aside from the intertwining of piercing musical instruments with an expressive low-pitched voice, Noh performances bring characters to life and captivate the audience’s attention through their use of striking masks (noh-men). While both exemplify popular archetypes of traditional Japanese theater, their performance aesthetic has been critiqued as the difference between high and low entertainment—with Noh being revered as the drama of “high art” largely in part to its many patrons from the samurai class starting in the 14th century.

However, the true origin of this masked dance-drama stems from ceremonial performances offered to temples and shrines on festival days traced back to the Nara Period (710-784). As I reminisce upon the enactment of Atsumori based on “The Tale of the Heike,” which recounts the gruesome beheading of a 16-year-old samurai in battle, I couldn’t think of a better staging for this Greek-like-tragedy than inside the blood-soaked ceiling quarters of the Hosen-in Temple. These ceiling boards were once floor boards within the Fushimi Castle and still bear traces of blood from over hundreds of samurai who either lost their lives in battle or by their own hands (seppuku) after their defeat in 1600.

noh-2

The real-life imagery of the blood soaked footprints juxtaposed with the re-enactment of the fictional death and reincarnation of Atsumori from the spirit world confronting his slayer. Furthermore, the Noh actor impersonating the slain warrior appeared to be almost possessed by the ghostly-white mask and corresponding costume—composed of a striking-red under robe, green cloak, and white hakama (a garment resembling pants)—reminiscent of the heyday of the Heiki leaders. The “exorcism” of the character’s emotions—ranging from rage, revenge, to regret—was performed through the highly choreographed dance moves that appeared to channel not only Atsumori’s tortured heart, but also the spirits of the fallen warriors who have been immortalized within the ceiling of Hosen-in Temple’s main hall.

While Noh’s popularity peaked in the 14th century, people in postmodern Japan continue to revere this rich artistic expression that resembles the highbrow culture of Western opera yet maintains an underlying theme of Buddhism. Of course, similar to the Greek stage and the theater of Shakespeare, Noh can also be seen as too abstract or incomprehensible—myself included, that is, before experiencing nohgaku first-handedly. Despite the many masks and elaborate costumes, beyond the powerful movement, chants, and drum calls, it became clear that the play drew inspiration from something as natural as human emotion—a kidoairaku (喜怒哀楽) or pathos of “joy-anger-sorrow-pleasure” that lies behind the mask and within the human psyche.

So, in summary, I give to you the ABC’s to knowing about the world of Noh:

A) The Mask: The unmistakable trademark of Noh, the masks, known as either noh-men (能面) or omote (面), are used to enact 5 genres of Nohgaku—a kami (a god), a warrior, a woman, an insane woman, and an oni (a devil). It is with the tilt of the head and the changing of postures that awaken the immovable lines of the mask and allow for various expressions to be portrayed.

B) The Costume: The elaborate costumes called shozoku (装束) are more along the lines of “masterful creations” depicting colorful patterns and repeated motifs either delicately woven or embroidered on silk. They are truly works of art in their own right, and the marveling combination of the mask with the robes will leave you speechless in your seat.

C) The Music: The Noh “orchestra,” or hayashi (囃子), is composed of four musicians—one flute player and three percussionists. The flute possesses a piercing sound that ceases to fade out against the intense pounding of three different drums. The musical ensemble is complete with singers known as utai (謡) who are in charge of the Noh chorus—a singing style based upon Buddhist chanting.

Topics: /

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA - Privacy Policy - Terms of Service

  • Yocean says:

    This is great Jessica 🙂 The 500 years old blood soaked ceiling for one of the most heart rending Noh play — sounds like a truly sublime experience. Man, jealous yet inspired. As a student of theatre and myths, I always loved how Noh hewed closely with Japanese ritualistic tradition – Shinto combined with Buddhism yet the essence remain a greater whole. when I worked at SF Opera costume wear house and had opportunity to experience that other classic musical art, I realized how much influence they had on Western arts from La Bohem to Moulin Rouge to The Rent. Same with Noh, that hair-standing reverence for the dead and dreaded, the appreciation for the emotinal intensity live through in the depth of Japanese entertainment still, seen prominently in horror films but really in every cheesy dramas. I recently noticed that in the first movie of 魔界転生, all the resurrected warriors had gold irises with red cornea, like with the Noh masks for Demon and Gods. Atsumori is famous for being the Nobunaga’s favorite play and he has performed it for his subject before battles and, as legend goes, before his death in the fiery temple. The message is so famous.

  • Kentaro Yamada says:

    I was always curious about Noh, but didn’t know much about it. The breakdown into ABC is helpful.

Related

Explore

The Oldest Zen Temple in Kyoto And Some Sugar Clouds

Though the Gion District is divided into north and south, the most well known area of Gion is the main street of Hanamikoji Dori.

By 3 min read 1

Explore

Smithy Your Way to Custom Silver

Create your own custom jewelry pieces, new experiences and fun memories all in one go on your trip to Art Smith.

By 5 min read

Explore

Dining On The River In Kawadoko

A truly unique al fresco dining experience that dates back to the Edo period.

By 5 min read 3