Japanese Classical Theatre Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What are the three types of classical theatre of Japan?

Noh, Kabuki, Bunraku

What is Noh's comic counterpart?

Kyogen

Which Japanese classical theatre is the oldest continually performed theatrical tradition in the world?

Noh

When was Noh perfected?

The 14th and 15th century by father and son team of Kan'ami and Zeami Signup and view all the answers

What is Noh theatre?

A highly ceremonial theatrical form that almost always includes supernatural characters or events. Signup and view all the answers

What are Noh Dramas?

Plays that are deeply reflective of the Shinto and Buddhist values with plots that focus on creating a mood or idea. Signup and view all the answers

In Noh dramas, what is the single character that the play is centered around?

Shite Signup and view all the answers

In Noh dramas, what is the name of the character who challenges the Shite?

Waki (minister, priest or commoner) Signup and view all the answers

Which character is the only character to wear a mask during a Noh play?

Shite Signup and view all the answers

Why does Noh have a distinctive slow walk?

It is said to imitate the feeling of walking through rice paddies. Signup and view all the answers

What is the bridge-like runway used in Noh plays?

Hashigakari Signup and view all the answers

What three words does Kabuki originate from?

Ka song, bu dance, ki skill Signup and view all the answers

What are the three categories of Kabuki plays?

History plays, domestic dramas, and dance dramas Signup and view all the answers

Kabuki has always been considered dinner theatre.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the feature runway used in Kabuki?

Hanamichi Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the spot that is seven tenths away from the audience popular for speeches, etc.?

Shichi-san or seven-three Signup and view all the answers

What is hikinuki?

A transformer that allows for quick changes in full view. Signup and view all the answers

What is Onnogata?

Females parts that are played by men Signup and view all the answers

What are the two ways men's parts are played?

Aragoto - wild, Wagoto - soft Signup and view all the answers

What is Bunraku?

Puppets that mime the action of the play, dating back to the 17th century. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Japanese Classical Theatre Overview

Three prominent types: Noh, Kabuki, and Bunraku.

Noh Theatre

Oldest continuously performed theatrical tradition in the world.
Perfected in the 14th and 15th centuries by Kan'ami and Zeami, a father-son duo.
A highly ceremonial form featuring supernatural characters, performed by actors trained from birth.
Noh dramas reflect Shinto and Buddhist values, with plots emphasizing mood rather than action.
The central character of Noh plays is called Shite, while the challenger is the Waki.

Noh Performance Characteristics

Only the Shite character wears a mask.
Unique slow walking style mimics traversing rice paddies.
The bridge-like runway used in Noh is called the hashigakari.

Kabuki Theatre

The term Kabuki derives from three words: Ka (song), Bu (dance), and Ki (skill).
Kabuki plays are categorized into history plays, domestic dramas, and dance dramas.
Historically referred to as dinner theatre.

Kabuki Performance Features

The feature runway is known as the hanamichi.
A notable performance spot, shichi-san, is positioned seven-tenths away from the audience for impactful speeches.
Hikinuki technique allows for rapid costume changes during performances.

Special Character Roles in Kabuki

Onnogata refers to male actors portraying female roles.
Male roles can be performed in two styles: Aragoto (wild) and Wagoto (soft).

Bunraku Theatre

Founded in the 17th century, it features puppetry that mimics the action of the play.

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Description

Test your knowledge on Japan's rich theatrical traditions with these flashcards! Explore the three main types of classical theatre, discover the unique aspects of Noh, and learn about its historical background. Perfect for students and enthusiasts alike!