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The Glories of the Noh Theater
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# : |
13220 |
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Section : |
THE ARTS
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| Issue
Date : |
10 / 1987 |
1,099 Words |
| Author
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Kyohei Hayashi
Kyohei Hayashi is curator of the Theater Museum at Waseda
University in Tokyo. |
A stage polished to mirror-like brilliance...a huge pine tree with widespread branches, a stark wooden wall...the kagami-ita (mirror board). A corridor runs diagonally across the stage: The hashi-gakari (the bridge between) is the passageway for the actors of the Noh theater as well as part of the stage. Three young pine trees are set at intervals along the hashi-gakari.
The hashi-gakari is divided by a curtain. At the end is a room known as the kagamino-ma (the mirror room) where Noh actors don their masks before going on stage. The curtain rises, and the actors make their entrances. The area bordering the stage and the hashi-gakari is covered by small pebbles (shirasu). Today most Noh theaters are situated within pavilions known as Noh-gakudo. In ancient times, however, they were freestanding and outdoors. Few such theaters of this kind exist today.
Music sounds from the kagamino-ma, announcing it is time for the performance to begin. The audience feels the thrill of expectation as the Noh is about to be performed. Shortly, musicians emerge from the hashi-gakari, taking their places on the mirror board. Then, the jiutai (the singers) enter through a small door at stage right, form two rows, and sit on the floor. They represent the chorus, explaining the actions and feelings of the characters in the drama as it progresses. The notes of a flute soar, an actor appears, the Noh play has begun.
Masking Differences
The leading actor's role in the Noh theater is known as shite. He usually wears a Noh mask. Characters wearing masks, with the
... (1992 of 6687 Characters)
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