II. Noh Drama

Noh Drama is a "dance-drama" that was very popular in the rich and powerful (the elite) of medieval Japan. Noh drama became popular with the court in the 14th century. It is still performed today. The actors wear masks and there are musicians and a chorus which narrates the story by chanting.

Noh Theater

Above you can see the simple stage, a group of musicians behind the actor, and the chorus (jiutai) of eight people on the right side of the stage.

Here are some of the instruments (from Noh Theater):

Flute

Drum

Taiko drum

Here are some of the masks (from Noh Theater):

A woman's mask

A demon's mask

An old man's mask

Another demon's mask

Here are some of the costumes (from Noh Theater):

A woman's costume

A warrior's costume

A demon god's costume

[Photo below from: iijnet Japanese Noh Mask]

• See an introduction to noh. This site tells about the history of noh, explains the types of stories presented, shows the stage and the actors, musicians and chorus. Get more information on noh musical instruments and movements, masks, costumes, and stage.
• Noh masks are introduced. See how noh masks are made and see masks showing the "standard characters".
• If your computer has a lot of memory, you can download a short movie of a noh drama. (It will open with "Simple Player", but it took about 10 minutes to download on our computer.)
• Noh and Kabuki are introduced in AskAsia lesson plans for teachers.
• The Japanese Initiative (University of Virginia) has put translations of several noh plays on-line. Try to read one or more of these interesting plays.

 

Go to Page One: Japanese Drama (Introduction and History)

You are here at Page Two: Noh Drama

Go to Page Three: Kabuki Theater

Go to Page Four: Bunraku Puppet Theater