Noh Theatre

Q: What is the purpose of Noh theatre?

The purpose of Noh theatre is to create performance art where masked actors make particular stylized gestures. It is influenced by religious rituals and Buddhist themes, the plays are often concerned with moral dilemmas and the next life.

Q: What are the characteristics of Noh theatre?

The characteristics of Noh theatre are actors wearing masks who make very particular slow and stylised gestures but speak only a very few lines. The stage is often square and has a gabled roof like a Shinto shrine. Very few painted scenes or props are used so that the focus of the audience remains on the actors.

Q: Did Noh theatre have female actors?

No, from the medieval period up to the 21st century, Noh theatre did not have female actors. The reason was perhaps because of the low social status of actors and the influence of male-dominated Buddhism.

Q: What is the difference between Noh theatre and Kabuki theatre?

Kabuki theatre developed from Noh theatre and is much less serious. Kabuki tends to focus on comedy and satire, and the music and dancing is much more lively than in Noh where the performances are highly stylized and actors use well-defined gestures.

Mark Cartwright

Noh Theatre

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Definition

Noh (Nō) theatre is a Japanese performance art which became especially popular from the 14th century CE and which is still performed today. Noh actors, who were always male in the medieval period, famously move and make gestures in a very slow and highly stylised manner while they wear masks of particular designs which show the characters they are playing such as youths, aristocratic women, warriors, and demons. Greatly influenced by religious rituals and Buddhist themes, the plays are often concerned with moral dilemmas and the next life.

More about: Noh Theatre

Timeline

1333 - 1384
Life of Kan'ami, one of the greatest of Noh theatre actors and innovators
c. 1350
Noh theatre becomes popular in Japan.
1363 - 1443
Life of Zeami Motokiyo, one of the greatest of Noh theatre actors and innovators.

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