Noh Theatre Flashcards
Nara
A period of Japanese history and the first permanent capital of Japan (located on Silk Road). A cultural crossroad for Japanese, Korean, Chinese and traditions. It became a cultural hub for new forms of art (including theatre) to be born.
Gigaku
A form of Buddhist processional dance drama that arrived in Japan in the 7th century from Central Asia through Korean and China. Gigaku blended religious themes with comedy and even burlesque scenes.
Sarugaku
A form of performance that included pantomime, juggling, acrobatics, dance and magic. Sarugaku, which originate in Sangaku in China and were introduced to Japan in the 8th century. Sarugaku eventually took on standardized movements and became Sarugaku Noh.
Dengaku
Translated as “field drama”. It comes from Hayashi (songs) were performed during the planting of fields in ancient times. It began adding dance elements and became Dengaku Noh. Eventually Dengaku Noh and Sarugaku Noh would combine to form Noh Theatre.
Zeami Motokiyo
Japanese actor, playwright, and drama theorist. Son of the itinerant actor Kanami. As a young Sarugaku actor Zeami earned the attention of the Aristocrats who admired his father’s acting troupe. After Kanami died, Zeami took over the management of the Kanze troupe and begin enacting subtle changes in the style by including more elements from Dengaku. Zeami eventually codified his theories in a guide that was meant to help train the actors in his troupe.
Zeami Motokiyo
Japanese actor, playwright, and drama theorist. Son of the itinerant actor Kanami. As a young Sarugaku actor Zeami earned the attention of the Aristocrats who admired his father’s acting troupe. After Kanami died, Zeami took over the management of the Kanze troupe and begin enacting subtle changes in the style by including more elements from Dengaku. Zeami eventually codified his theories in a guide that was meant to help train the actors in his troupe.
Zeami Motokiyo
Japanese actor, playwright, and drama theorist. Son of the itinerant actor Kanami. As a young Sarugaku actor Zeami earned the attention of the Aristocrats who admired his father’s acting troupe. After Kanami died, Zeami took over the management of the Kanze troupe and begin enacting subtle changes in the style by including more elements from Dengaku. Zeami eventually codified his theories in a guide that was meant to help train the actors in his troupe.
Yugen
mean “a profound, mysterious sense of the beauty of the universe… and the sad beauty of human suffering”.
- deals with Japanese aesthetics
Shite
The leading character; playing the role of the holy old man, a deity, a demon, a spirit or a living man. His movements express various moods.
