Blog Post #6

Japanese noh theatre was originally a folk art style that moved into the upper levels of society. Based on this performace that I watched and readings from the book, I have found several important factors for producing a noh play. There are only a few instruments, several drums and a single flute. Also, there are only a few actors, who are richly costumed and masked, and also sing during the performance. The drums beat out different patterns and rhythms that do not seem to coincide. The actors pantomime a story that can be understood if one is well versed in Japanese noh theatre. There is a small group of all male chorus members who sing in a chant like manner, reminiscent of Buddhist monks. The music is played generally in a nonpulsatile and free manner often with long pauses. This helps create an atmosphere of timelessness for the audience. The audience is generally familiar with the story before the play has even begun. The stories and styles are very well known. Most noh plays are unrehearsed by the actors and musicians.