026 - Appendices

Noh (Nō), or Nogaku, is a captivating form of classical Japanese musical drama that has been enchanting audiences since the 14th century. Originating from the Sino-Japanese term for skill or talent, Noh was developed by the visionary duo Kanami and his son Zeami, making it the oldest major theatrical art still performed today. A traditional Noh performance typically features five Noh plays interspersed with comedic kyōgen pieces, though modern presentations often showcase a more abbreviated format of two Noh plays and one kyōgen. An okina play may open the performance, particularly during New Year celebrations and other significant occasions. Rooted in tales from traditional literature, Noh often portrays supernatural beings transforming into human heroes, narrating profound stories. The art form combines intricate masks, elaborate costumes, and various props in a dance-based performance, demanding exceptional skill from its actors and musicians. Emotions are expressed through stylized gestures, while the iconic masks embody roles such as ghosts, women, children, and the elderly. The texts, written in ancient Japanese, vividly depict the lives of ordinary people from the twelfth to sixteenth centuries, with translations by the esteemed scholar Arthur Waley, a self-taught master of Chinese and Japanese who is celebrated as one of the most significant transmitters of East Asian culture to the West. - Summary by Wikipedia (edited by Expatriate)