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Questions and Answers
What is the primary role of the waki actor in Nō plays?
What is the primary role of the waki actor in Nō plays?
The stage of a Nō play is open on all sides.
The stage of a Nō play is open on all sides.
False
What is the name of the principal actor in Nō plays?
What is the name of the principal actor in Nō plays?
shite
The musicians for a Nō play sit in the recess at the back of the stage, with the ___________ nearest to the gallery.
The musicians for a Nō play sit in the recess at the back of the stage, with the ___________ nearest to the gallery.
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Match the roles in Nō plays with their descriptions:
Match the roles in Nō plays with their descriptions:
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How many main actors does a typical Nō play use at a minimum?
How many main actors does a typical Nō play use at a minimum?
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In Nō plays, female roles are performed by women.
In Nō plays, female roles are performed by women.
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What is the primary function of the Chorus in Nō theater?
What is the primary function of the Chorus in Nō theater?
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What is the name of the gallery leading to the green-room in a Nō performance?
What is the name of the gallery leading to the green-room in a Nō performance?
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The shite always wears a mask when playing any character.
The shite always wears a mask when playing any character.
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What type of percussion instrument is typically played by the drummer nearest to the gallery?
What type of percussion instrument is typically played by the drummer nearest to the gallery?
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The Nō stage properties are represented by four posts covered with a __________.
The Nō stage properties are represented by four posts covered with a __________.
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During a Nō play, what is the typical number of movements in the shite's dance?
During a Nō play, what is the typical number of movements in the shite's dance?
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Match the following Nō theater roles with their descriptions:
Match the following Nō theater roles with their descriptions:
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The flute in Nō theater is played continuously throughout the performance.
The flute in Nō theater is played continuously throughout the performance.
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What is the term used for the slow dance that consists of solemn gestures in a Nō play?
What is the term used for the slow dance that consists of solemn gestures in a Nō play?
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What was the primary characteristic of the chanting in Nō-plays?
What was the primary characteristic of the chanting in Nō-plays?
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The verse in Nō-plays is strictly consistent and follows a single pattern of syllables.
The verse in Nō-plays is strictly consistent and follows a single pattern of syllables.
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What was Nō-plays originally called?
What was Nō-plays originally called?
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The 14th century Nō-writer, __________, emphasized the careful use of pivot-words.
The 14th century Nō-writer, __________, emphasized the careful use of pivot-words.
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Match the following elements to their descriptions:
Match the following elements to their descriptions:
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What is a common feature found in the lyric portions of Nō-plays?
What is a common feature found in the lyric portions of Nō-plays?
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Nō-plays utilize less existing literary material compared to Western dramatists.
Nō-plays utilize less existing literary material compared to Western dramatists.
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Which century did Nō-plays begin to take form?
Which century did Nō-plays begin to take form?
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Study Notes
Noh Plays
- Japanese theatrical form, developed in the 14th century
- Expansive use of poetry in plays
- Utilizes elaborate costumes and masks
- Primarily male performers playing both male and female roles
- Actors use a stylized dance accompanied by music (drums, flute)
- Chorus assists by singing while actor acts
- Properties highly conventionalized; e.g., a boat represented by an open framework
- Plays often adapted from existing dance ballads and poems
- Emphasizes a sense of place and mood rather than specific plot
- Origins blend from various sources such as Shintō ceremonies, acrobatics, Chinese dances, and recitation. Importantly, the sources include Sarugaku, Dengaku, and dance-ballads.
- Play structure includes prose and verse, not fully separated, and often chanting or song-like elements
- Uses conventional, stylized acting and dance
Noh Stage
- Stage roughly 18 feet square
- Back wall features a painted pine tree
- Open sides for audience to watch from multiple angles
- Gallery to greenroom, open curtain separates the area
- Recess for instruments and chorus
- Roof imitating Shinto temple structure
- Audience sits on multiple sides
Noh Performers and Actors
- Waki (assistant) explains circumstances to the shite (principal character)
- Female roles performed by men
- Chorus (8-12) sings the actors lines when they cannot sing themselves due to movement needs or speaking demands of the plays
- Musicians include a stick-drum, hand-drummers (one with thimbles), and flute
- Shite (principal actor) wears a mask, particularly for women or very old men; younger, male warriors, however, do not wear masks
Noh Costume
- Highly elaborate and gorgeous costumes are essential to effects
- Actors wear masks for certain roles (women, old men)
- Young men and warriors typically do not wear masks
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Description
Explore the intricate world of Noh plays, a traditional Japanese theatrical form that emerged in the 14th century. This quiz delves into the uses of poetry, stylized dance, and the unique stage characteristics that define Noh performance. Test your knowledge on its history, structure, and cultural significance.
