Theatre History Overview - Part 8 - Nogaku (Noh and Kyogen)

Theatre did not only exist in Europe during the early to mid years of the 2nd millennium. Theatre existed in other continents, even though we do not usually think about them. One of these continents was Asia and a main country where theatre was found was Japan.

During the 14th century, Nogaku theatre was developed in Japan. Nogaku is the performance of both Noh and Kyogen. It involved music, dance, and drama. It is rare to find Noh or Kyogen separate from each other because it is traditional to have comedic Kyogen pieces performed between the dramatic Noh performances. There were usually five Noh plays and four Kyogen plays if there was an interlude between each Noh play.

The art form was popularized by Zeami during the time known as the Muromachi Period (1333-1573). At first, Zeami's art attracted the patronage of the government, but he later fell out of favor with the government. While the government no longer liked Zeami, Noh troupes still existed and performed Nogaku.

Noh and Nogaku became the official ceremonial art of Japan during the Tokugawa Period (1603-1867). This put an emphasis on tradition rather than on innovation. Noh stories are often drawn from legend, history, and tradition, and sometimes from literature and contemporary events.

All performers in Nogaku are male. The Shite is the leading character. The Waki is the supporting actor. The Hayashi are the musicians. The Jiutai are the c chorus and the Koken are the stage attendants. The Koken are like stage crew in a theatrical performance. The shite wears masks so the audience knows what type of character is being portrayed. The props and costumes have many layers resulting in a bulky image, although props can also enhance expressiveness.

Nokagu is usually performed on a square stage that has pillars at each corner that hold up a roof. Three sides of the stage are open while the fourth serves as the back of the stage and has a backdrop of a pine tree. A bridge runs at an oblique angle off the stage so performers can enter and exit. While Nogaku was traditionally performed outside, inside stages have become common performance venues. An okina play may be performed before Nogaku. This is a play that does not have a plot, but the movements are a sacred rite asking for peace, prosperity, and safety across the land. A common presentation today is an abbreviated Nogaku piece with two Noh stories and one Kyogen story presented between them.

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