Kabuki, Japanese Theater (Part II)

Kabuki is another form of Japanese classical drama. Unlike Noh, which follows strict traditional rules handed down from generation to generation, kabuki tends to be lavish, loud and includes strange characters and plot lines. Instead of masks, the actors wear the white powder make-up and exaggerated black eye and lip-liners.The Japanese expression kabukimono describes people who dress oddly and act in obnoxious ways.

Productions tend to be elaborate, with scenery changes and costume changes in the middle of the action! Like the Noh stage, actors arrive and leave by a walkway (called the hanamichi or "flower bridge") that extends into the audience. The stage rotates for transition between scenes, and trap doors are built right into the floor for dramatic entrances and exits. Characters also "fly" in the air by wires set into the costumes (similar to the wire-work effects in today's martial arts films). All of these stage techniques and tricks are collectively called keren.


For more information about Kabuki, Noh and other forms of Japanese theater, A Guide to the Japanese Stage: From Traditional to Cutting Edge by Ronald Cavave, Paul Griffith, and Akahiko Senda is a good resource to start.

All original writing and art copyright A. Dameron 2000-2010

Noh Drama (Japanese Theater, Part I)

Noh is traditional Japanese drama, first performed in the 14th century. All the roles are performed by male actors, with masks and elaborate costumes. A classical Noh presentation lasts all day, with 5 plays interspersed with shorter works.

A performance consists of the orchestra, actors and chorus. The main character is called the shite, who usually has a friend or companion called the shitetsure. The waki is the antagonist (if the waki has an assistant, that person is called the wakitsure). The shite is usually the only one who wears a mask, although the other actors might do so for female and/or mystical characters. All use their body language and mannerisms to convey their characters

The chorus (4-8 people) is called the jiutai, and the orchestra is called the hayashi. They usually wear formal black kimonos, emblazoned with family crests.

Unlike Western dramas, the background scenery is kept to a minimum, except for a narrow bridge on stage right, where the actors arrive and leave (called the hashigakari). Even the stagehands (dressed in simple black) remain on the stage in full view of the audience and sometimes even become part of the action!

The stage itself is polished Japanese cypress wood, so the actors glide in highly stylized dances and chant their songs.(5-7-5 waka poetry, mentioned here and here). The cypress wood conducts sound throughout the stage, which is the main reason why the builders usually raise the stage 3 feet above the ground.

A list of traditional Noh plays can be found here and for more information, The Tuttle Version of Noh Plays of Japan by Arthur Waley is a good source.





All original writing and art copyright A. Dameron 2000-2010