Nogaku 能楽 Noh-Drama
Hi!!
Today we’ll introduce “Noh drama”.
“Noh drama” is one of the traditional Japanese classical performing arts.
This was started from muromachi period (14th century) by Kanami and Yoami (father and child).
The features of “Noh drama” are symbolic, ritualistic, elegantly simplistic, and static and slow circular dancing.
The stage equipment are quite simple, but “Noumen” (lacquered wooden elaborate masks) and luxury brocaded attire which actor are wearing have important meanings.
Constitution of “Noh drama” are recitative chant who speak the line, musical accompanists who in charge of flute, drum, small hand drum, hand-drum and actors.
Actors are composed entirely man and they divided to “Shite” who principal actor protagonist and “Waki” who supporting actor.
The character of “Noh drama” are god, madwoman, demon, long-nosed mountain spirit.
So, the audience see things differently according to the supernatural and mystical characters.