N? and Ky?gen Theatre, Essay Example

N?is a theatrical performance that dates back from the medieval times. Unlike most narrative dramas, storytelling in N?usually takes play in visual forms such as through use of masks. This classical Japanese cultural performance often involves men playing feminine roles while women playing masculine roles. Currently, N? performance is structured by ‘iemoto system’ which emphasizes traditional cultural themes over modern themes.

Origins of N?

• The origin of N? performance lies in medieval aristocratic art and folks. It gained reputation as influential drama in theMuromachi period (1336 to 1573).
• Ashikaga clan played a major role in promotingN?, like other drama formats such as Kabuki and Buto.
• Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, a military dictator, developed an acting style which involved N?actors only rehearsing once before actual drama performance.
• During Tokugawa (1603–1867) period, N? went through tremendous transformation which made it suitable for most Japanese festivals.
• N?first evolved from ancient dances to modified festival dramas and then into ceremonial dramas suited to peace campaigns.

Conventions and Important Artists

• N? is presented in an ancient drama format to suit the needs of a particular audience.
• N? dramas can also be transformed to suit different occasions.
• It is not uncommon for professional actors to play roles meant for the opposite gender. Female actors often use masks to play men roles.

Performance and Important Artists

• N? performances are long enough for each actor to display the extent of his/her talent and skills.
• The main character uses a variety of costumes and in many instances he/she is last one to enter the stage, utilizing different masks to capture audience’s attention.
• Noh plays are categorized into five main types which are kami, shura mono, katsura mono, gendai mono and kyojo mono. Kyojo mono is also known as ‘madwoman’ play.

The hall of fame actors/actresses include such prominent figures as Zeami, Komparu Zenchiku, Bertolt Brecht, Peter Brook,  Jacques Lecoq, Jacques Copeau,  Eugenio Barba, Jerzy Grotowski, Heiner Müller, Eugene O’Neill, and OsvobozenéDivadlo.

Performances in Ky?gen theatre have similarities to N?which is why it isconsidered part of the N? performance art and traditions.

Work Cited

Brandon, James R, and Martin Banham. The Cambridge Guide to Asian Theatre. Cambridge England: Cambridge University Press, 1993: 142-179. Print.