The 3 Differences Between Noh Theatre and Kabuki Play

Summary

In this video, the speaker compares and contrasts two traditional Japanese performing arts, Noh and Kabuki, highlighting their histories, cultural significance, and key differences. Noh, originating 600 years ago, was favored by the samurai and performed at Shinto shrines, while Kabuki, which began 400 years ago, was a popular form of entertainment for commoners. The speaker explains differences in the length of history, audience, and performance styles, noting that women are allowed to perform in Noh, but not in Kabuki. The video also explores the evolution and survival of both arts, now recognized as masterpieces of intangible heritage.

Takeaways

• 😀 No and Kabuki are two distinct traditional Japanese performing arts that appear similar but have significant differences in history, performance style, and cultural context.
• 😀 No originated around 600 years ago in the Muromachi era, whereas Kabuki began about 400 years ago in the Edo period.
• 😀 No was initially performed at Shinto shrines for samurai leaders, while Kabuki was aimed at entertaining the common people.
• 😀 No performances are centered around religious themes, using minimal stage tools, and often evoke martial arts movements. Kabuki, in contrast, uses flashy stage tools and focuses on dramatic emotions.
• 😀 No has historically been a noble performance enjoyed by samurais, whereas Kabuki was initially seen as an entertainment for the common people.
• 😀 Both No and Kabuki faced survival challenges during westernization and World War II, but both art forms were declared masterpieces by UNESCO in the 21st century.
• 😀 Women are allowed to perform in No today, while Kabuki traditionally only allows men to perform, with women taking part in Nihonbuyo (Japanese traditional dance) instead.
• 😀 No performances are more subtle, akin to reading a novel, while Kabuki is more flamboyant, resembling watching a movie.
• 😀 The main figures in No's development were the father-son duo, Kangami, who transformed No into the form we recognize today with rhythmic music and graceful dances.
• 😀 Kabuki faced regulation by the samurai government, with both women and young boys banned from acting, leading to a solely male cast in performances.
• 😀 In contemporary times, there is some debate around women performing in Kabuki, with some roles now allowing young girls to participate, though adult women are still excluded from the stage.

Q & A

What are the main differences between Noh and Kabuki?

The three main differences between Noh and Kabuki are: the length of their history, the audience they were created for, and who performs them. Noh is older, with a history of around 600 years, and was initially performed for samurais and in religious settings, while Kabuki started around 400 years ago and was created for the entertainment of common people. Additionally, women are allowed to perform in Noh, but not in Kabuki, where only men perform.

What is the origin of Noh theatre?

Noh theatre originated around 1,000 years ago from a combination of two performing arts: Sarugaku (a mix of dancing, singing, and magic) and Dengaku (a ritual ceremony for good harvest). In the 13th century, these two forms merged to become Noh, which was initially performed at Shinto shrines.

How did the history of Noh evolve over time?

The history of Noh evolved through three main turning points: First, it combined Sarugaku and Dengaku. Second, it was shaped by a father-son duo, Kan'ami and Zeami, who perfected the form and gained the favor of samurai. Lastly, despite being nearly lost during World War II, Noh survived and was recognized by UNESCO in 2001 as an intangible cultural heritage.

What are the origins of Kabuki theatre?

Kabuki originated around 400 years ago, shortly after the civil war era, in the peaceful Edo period. It was first performed by a woman named Okuni as a dance form that quickly became popular with the common people. Over time, due to moral concerns, women were banned from performing, and adult men began to perform all roles, including those of women.

Why were women originally banned from performing in Kabuki?

Women were banned from performing in Kabuki due to concerns that the dances were disturbing public morals, as some women working as Kabuki performers were also engaged in prostitution. This led to the ban of women, and young boys were also forbidden when they began to disturb morals. Eventually, only adult men were allowed to perform.

How did Kabuki survive during the time of westernization and World War II?

Kabuki faced a survival crisis during westernization and World War II when its flashy style was deemed uncivilized by the new Western influences. Many theatres were burned down during the war. However, Kabuki recovered after the war with the construction of new theatres and regained popularity in the 1950s.

What is the main audience for Noh and Kabuki?

Noh was originally performed for the samurai class and in religious settings, as it was connected to Shinto rituals. Kabuki, on the other hand, was created to entertain the common people, and its content reflects this, focusing on emotions and stories more relatable to the public.

What role do stage tools play in Noh and Kabuki performances?

In Noh, the stage uses minimal tools to encourage the audience's imagination to complete the story. In contrast, Kabuki performances use elaborate stage tools and flashy settings, making it easier for the audience to understand the story. This distinction reflects the different cultural purposes of the two art forms.

What is the significance of Noh scripts, called Utaibon, in the training process?

Noh scripts, known as Utaibon, are essential in the training of Noh actors, as they contain detailed information about the history, techniques, and the musical aspects of the performance. These scripts use ancient Japanese characters that may be difficult for modern audiences to read, requiring actors to study them carefully for proper performance.

How did women come to be allowed to perform in Noh?

Although Noh was originally performed by men, women were allowed to act in Noh after World War II. Today, anyone, including women, can learn Noh's singing and dancing, much like learning other musical or display arts.