Japanese Culture Fall 2024
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Questions and Answers

What is the relationship between Noh and Kyōgen plays in a performance series?

  • They are alternated with Kyōgen as interludes between Noh. (correct)
  • Kyōgen plays are always performed first in the series.
  • They are performed back-to-back with no interludes.
  • Noh plays are only performed after all Kyōgen plays.

    • How many plays are performed in a typical series of Noh and Kyōgen?

  • Nine plays in total. (correct)
  • Seven plays in total.
  • Five plays in total.
  • Eleven plays in total.

    • What role do Kyōgen plays serve in the context of Noh performances?

  • They serve as a dramatic conclusion to Noh.
  • They act as comedic interludes between Noh plays. (correct)
  • They are standalone performances with no connection to Noh.
  • They are longer than Noh and take precedence in the series.

    • What characterizes the typical performance format of Noh and Kyōgen?

    <p>Alternating short and long performances.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement is true about Noh and Kyōgen plays in a performance series?

    <p>They are performed together, alternating in a set sequence.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary characteristic of Noh theater?

    <p>It emphasizes tradition and is highly codified.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which centuries does the content refer to regarding the depiction of ordinary people?

    <p>Twelfth to sixteenth centuries.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How is Noh differentiated from Kyogen?

    <p>Noh is more formal with a focus on tradition, while Kyogen is comedic and informal.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role does imagination play in Noh performances as suggested in the content?

    <p>Imagination is central to interpreting the performance.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the significance of the period from the twelfth to sixteenth centuries in Noh theater?

    <p>It highlights the artistic representation of ordinary people.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the oldest major theatre art that is still regularly performed today?

    <p>Noh</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What typically comprises a full Nōgaku program?

    <p>Several Noh plays with comedic Kyōgen plays in between</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements is true regarding modern Nōgaku programs?

    <p>An abbreviated program with two Noh plays and one Kyōgen piece is now common.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the structure of Nōgaku differ from traditional Noh?

    <p>Nōgaku consists of a mix of Noh plays and Kyōgen interludes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key characteristic of Kyōgen plays in the context of Nōgaku?

    <p>They typically provide comic relief between Noh plays.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main theme of the play Aoi no Ue?

    <p>Love and Betrayal</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which notable character is associated with the play Hagoromo?

    <p>Fisherman</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How has Noh influenced other art forms in Japan?

    <p>It has influenced literature, painting, and dance.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which theme is associated with the play Matsukaze?

    <p>Longing and Loss</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the central theme in the play Tamura?

    <p>War and Reflections</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary characteristic of the chanting style in Noh performance?

    <p>It offers a unique timbre that adds emotional depth.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following performers is not one of the four major categories in Noh?

    <p>Kabuki</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the chanting style in Noh impact the audience's perception of the characters?

    <p>It adds layers to the emotional experience reflecting characters' inner worlds.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role does the hayashi play in Noh?

    <p>A musician accompanying the performance.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which aspect of the Noh performance does the unique timbre in chanting specifically enhance?

    <p>The emotional experience and depth of characters.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of theatre troupe is Takarazuka?

    <p>All-female troupe</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In which year was Takarazuka founded?

    <p>1913</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Where is the Takarazuka Revue based?

    <p>Hyōgo Prefecture</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary art form of the Takarazuka Revue?

    <p>Musical theatre</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a character type used in Takarazuka performances?

    <p>Oshiroi</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Japanese Culture - Fall 2024

    • Course coordinator: Amal Refaat
    • JICA Volunteer: Kazuyo Takehara

    Looking Back to What We Studied

    • A review of the studied material is indicated.

    Cultural Diversity

    • A map of Asia is shown, highlighting different regions.
    • The regions of Asia include East/Southeast Asia, Indian Subcontinent, Central Asia, and West Asia.
    • The countries and regions shown are numerous, including countries and regions from East/Southeast Asia, the Indian Subcontinent, Central Asia, and West Asia.

    Japanese Theatre

    • Noh & Kyogen
    • Kabuki
    • Ningyo Jyoruri
    • Bunraku
    • Takarazuka

    Japanese Theatre in relation to Religion

    • Noh & Kyogen: The oldest theatre traditions in the world
    • Kabuki: Old-fashioned dance and music theatre (male actors only)
    • Ningyo Jyoruri: Puppetry shares many themes with Kabuki
    • Bunraku: One sect of Nigyo Jyoruri established in Osaka
    • Takarazuka: Modern musical theatre (female actors only)

    Noh & Kyogen ("skill", "craft", or "talent")

    • History of Noh and Kyogen is about 650 years, since Muromachi era
    • The earliest existing Kyogen scripts dated from the 15th century.
    • Noh was a spiritual drama, combining symbolism from Buddhism and Shinto and focusing on tales with mythic significance.
    • Noh is often based on traditional literature, with supernatural beings transformed into human form.
    • Noh uses masks, costumes, and props in a dance performance requiring highly trained actors and musicians. Emotions are conveyed primarily through stylized gestures.
    • Kyogen, the comic partner, serves as a link between the theological themes of Noh shows and everyday life, with theatrical farce and slapstick.
    • Noh and Kyōgen plays are often performed together in a series of nine plays.

    Noh: General Information

    • Noh theatre originated in the 14th century and evolved from earlier forms such as Dengaku and Sarugaku.
    • Noh uses stylized masks to convey emotions, which are elaborate and indicate characters' social status and role.
    • The music in Noh involves vocal chanting and traditional instruments like the flute and drums, creating a haunting atmosphere.
    • Actors master gestures and postures, as every movement is symbolic while enhancing narrative depth.

    First: Noh Stage

    • Description of a traditional Noh stage.

    Why the Pine Tree?

    • Evergreen pine tree (Tokiwa no Matsu)
    • Represents good fortune
    • Symbolizes the presence of Gods

    Second: Costume

    • Images of traditional Japanese clothing, indicating types of garments.

    Third: The Noh Mask

    • Images of different Noh masks are presented.
    • A list of mask names is given.

    Meaning of Noh Masks

    • Description of parts of Noh mask (men, front side /character, back side /actor/human)

    Upturned Face vs. Drooping Face

    • Eyebrows indicate sadness when upturned
    • The eyes express joy when the face is upturned.
    • The mouth usually expresses sadness when the face is upturned.
    • The eyebrows express joy on a drooping face. – – Eyes express sadness on a drooping face.
    • The mouth usually expresses joy on a drooping face

    Okina Mask

    • Images of Okina mask.

    Toyotomi Hideyoshi & Noh

    • Images showing Toyotomi Hideyoshi and a Noh performance

    Fourth: Plays

    • The plays are slow and precise, often mimicking natural movements
    • The style of the play enhances the overall experience of the contemplative elements of the play.
    • Vocal techniques vary in dramatic to melodic styles using a unique timbre.

    Roles in Noh

    • Four major categories of Noh performers: shite, waki, kyōgen, and hayashi.
    • More details about each role is included in this section.

    Noh Repertoire

    • A table summarizing Noh plays, their themes, and notable characters.
    • Some specific plays and their themes are mentioned.

    Noh: Cultural Significance

    • Noh has influenced various art forms in Japan including literature, painting, and dance.
    • It promotes traditional values.

    Noh and Nōgaku

    • Noh is a major classical Japanese dance and drama form
    • The oldest major theatre form in Japan.
    • The difference between Noh and Nōgaku programs, including comedic Kyōgen plays

    Kyogen (狂言)

    • Description of Kyogen, including examples for actions such as walking (imagination) or roleplaying (fan, pantomime) and characters in a play style
    • KYOGEN actions including descriptions of the characters, costumes, and props.
    • Kyogen performances can include 2-3 actors.

    Kyogen 1, 2, 3

    • Images of Kyogen performers in action.
    • Examples of Kyogen types/roles are indicated

    Noh vs. Kyogen

    • Brief comparison of Noh and Kyogen themes, clothes, scripts, and features.

    Bunraku puppet theatre

    • Description of Bunraku puppet theatre. -Links provided

    Ningyō Jōruri & Bunraku

    • Bunraku is a type of traditional Japanese performing arts.
    • It is a collaborative performance involving narrative recitation, Shamisen music and puppetry.
    • The origins of Bunraku is Ningyo Joruri.

    Three roles on the stage

    • Three people operate each puppet, often in black clothing but some cases show faces for important scenes.
    • The narrator of the play (Tayu) brings the scenes to life.
    • Music is performed by Shamisen players.

    Kabuki

    • Images of Kabuki.
    • Details about the background of the form.

    Kabuki - 1603, Izumo no Okuni

    • Kabuki began in 1603 by Izumo no Okuni.
    • Kabuki involved a new style of dance drama, which involved female dancers who performed with various styles.
    • The three main plays or categories include Jidaimono, Sewamono and Shosagoto
    • Kabuki actors continued performing after a ban against women in 1629.

    Kabuki-mono

    • Edo-period eccentric people with eye-catching clothing, peculiar hairstyles and weird behaviors.

    The style of the mask is different from Noh

    • The style/design of masks in Kabuki theatre is different to a Noh masks.

    Kabuki

    • Kabuki is known for its heavily-style performances.
    • Historically female dancers and light sketches performed in Kyoto.
    • The art form later developed into an all-male theatre form.

    Why white powders on the faces?

    • Kabuki actors use white powder (Oshiroi) to prevent color bleeding from oil and sweat.
    • The powder is easy to use and creates a contrast with the colourful makeup.

    Takarazuka since 1913

    • All-female musical theatre troupe based in Takarazuka, Hyōgo Prefecture, Japan.
    • Women play all roles in lavish, Western-style productions of musicals and stories adapted from films, novels, and Japanese folktales

    Takarazuka

    • A Japanese all female musical theatre form/troupe based in Takarazuka, Hyogo prefecture.
    • All roles are played by women
    • Performances are extravagant, in a similar style to Broadway productions

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    Related Documents

    Week 5 Theatre PDF

    Description

    Explore the rich traditions of Japanese theater including Noh, Kabuki, and Bunraku. This quiz also delves into the cultural diversity of Asia, showcasing the various regions and their influence on Japanese culture. Join us in reviewing the interconnectedness of theatre and religion in Japan.

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