noh

     

Noh (能, Nō), or Nōgaku (能楽, Nōgaku?) is a major form of classic Japanese musical drama that has been performed since the 14th century. Together with the closely-related kyogen farce, it evolved from various popular, folk and aristocratic art forms, including Dengaku, Shirabyoshi, and Gagaku. Although Noh has been slow and stylised for several centuries, its roots can be traced back to the Tang Dynasty's Nuo, (傩, 戏), Sarugaku (derived from "Wu musical" traditions in various Chinese dynasties), and folk theatricals.

Trivia about noh

  • "Ataka", perhaps the most famous play in this form of Japanese drama, has been adapted for Kabuki
  • This word for a form of Japanese dance-drama isn't negative, it means "talent"
  • (Alex holds up a mask in a store in Tokyo, Japan.) These traditional masks are worn by the shite, or hero, of this revered & highly stylized form of Japanese drama
  • There are 5 basic types of plays in this form of drama: the third is the katsuramono, or "wig play"
  • The comic theatrical form Kyogen evolved in response to the tediousness & "negativity" of these plays
  • Stylized singing called yokyoku is featured in this form of theater, Japan's oldest

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