Japan
Noh Theatre
May 2006, Tokyo
Image: Noh Theatre
Hi! What an amazing country! We are in Japan and learning about one of Japan’s oldest theatrical art forms called Noh Theatre! It’s one of the oldest forms of mask theatre in the world originating about seven centuries ago and the traditions of it have been passed down through generations of families. It is an amazing art form which includes music, dance, drama and poetry and can be seen all year round at the National Noh Theatre in Tokyo (the capital of Japan). We saw a wonderful performance last night at the Kyoto shrine, Heian Jingu. Kyoto is the ancient capital of Japan and is home to 2,000 shrines and temples and is actually where Noh Theatre began. Noh is only performed once a year in the Heian Jingu and we sat beneath lanterns and flaming torches on benches outside in the warm June air. How lucky we are to have seen this beautiful performance!
All the actors are highly trained and have spent many years learning how to perform it but also because all the actors are men (even the women’s parts are played by men!) The main character is called Shité and the supporting actors are called Waki and there is a chorus as well as a musical ensemble. The actor’s movement in Noh theatre is so slow and controlled that they remind me of moving statues! Although Noh actors wear masks that hide their own expressions the performance is still meaningful and beautiful to watch. The props that are used are always very small and simple and some of the props used represent lots of different things for example a fan can be used cleverly to represent a saw, a plate and a dagger!
Kyoto is also where the Tea Ceremony began. The tea ceremony (chado or sado) is a traditional Japanese ritual where powdered green tea is prepared and served to a small group of guests in a pretty setting. Anyway, must dash – we are in Ireland next month.
Take care
