Japanese Theatre

Noh Theatre- 14th Centurey

based on-ritualist dance language-formal, classical audience-aristocrats Philosophical short studies combine poetry with dance and music

Movements-sedate postures express attitude

ll. Stages Audience seated on three sides

Building-like temple, pointed roof, four pillars

Floor-highly polished with large empty jars

Ramps-entrances Scenery- tapestrys

lll. Chorus

Sits stage left and provides chanting background and music

lV. Props

Minimum and symbolic

V. Costumes

Ornate silkCut and make-up determine classMajor characters wear masks

Vl. Kyogen

Comic interlude, farcical w/o music

In a day usually three Kyogen and five Nohs are performed

Vll. Bunraku-puppet theatre

Three Puppeteers◦Head and right arm◦Left arm◦Feet and body

Kabuki Theatre

Vll. Kabuki

Drama for common man

Movement melodramatic and sensational

Plots heavy, tension filled historical tragedies, sucicide, murder, and domestic love triangles

Set; flower way ramp for entrances, trapdoors, colorful, elaborate

Make-up-stylized like maskMostly menFamily of actorsStyle:highly symbolic

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