8.2 Major Noh playwrights and representative plays

Noh theater, a cornerstone of medieval Japanese culture, was shaped by visionary playwrights. Zeami Motokiyo and Kan'ami Kiyotsugu laid the foundation, while later artists like Komparu Zenchiku and Kanze Nobumitsu expanded the art form's reach and depth.

Representative Noh plays showcase the genre's range, from the warrior's tale in Atsumori to the celestial beauty of Hagoromo. These works, along with others like Matsukaze and Takasago, explore human emotions and spiritual themes through poetic language and stylized performance.

Major Noh Playwrights

Pioneering Noh Masters

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• Zeami Motokiyo (1363-1443) revolutionized Noh theater through his writings and performances
  • Authored treatises on Noh performance theory and aesthetics
  • Developed the concept of yūgen (subtle, profound beauty)
  • Refined acting techniques and stage presence
• Kan'ami Kiyotsugu (1333-1384) laid the foundation for modern Noh
  • Father and teacher of Zeami Motokiyo
  • Incorporated elements of popular entertainment into Noh
  • Introduced kusemai dance style to Noh performances

Later Influential Playwrights

• Komparu Zenchiku (1405-1468) expanded on Zeami's theories
  • Developed the "Six Circles and One Dewdrop" philosophy of Noh aesthetics
  • Emphasized the spiritual aspects of Noh performance
  • Wrote plays that explored Buddhist themes and enlightenment
• Kanze Nobumitsu (1435-1516) adapted Noh to changing tastes
  • Introduced more dynamic and spectacular elements to Noh plays
  • Created plays featuring warriors and battle scenes
  • Expanded the role of hayashi (musicians) in Noh performances

Representative Noh Plays

Classical Masterpieces

• Atsumori tells the tragic tale of a young warrior
  • Based on an episode from The Tale of the Heike
  • Explores themes of war, regret, and redemption
  • Features the ghost of Atsumori confronting his killer
• Hagoromo depicts the encounter between a fisherman and a celestial maiden
  • Incorporates elements of Japanese folklore and Buddhist philosophy
  • Showcases the ethereal beauty of Noh through its poetic language
  • Includes a famous dance sequence performed by the celestial maiden

Plays Exploring Human Emotions

• Matsukaze portrays the lingering attachments of two ghost sisters
  • Examines themes of love, longing, and the impermanence of life
  • Utilizes the sound of wind and waves to create atmosphere
  • Features intricate choreography representing the sisters' restless spirits
• Takasago presents an allegory of marital devotion and longevity
  • Incorporates elements of Shinto mythology and symbolism
  • Uses the image of intertwined pine trees to represent enduring love
  • Includes a celebratory dance performed by the spirits of the old couple

Types of Noh Plays

Primary Categories

• Shite-Noh centers around the main character (shite)
  • Focuses on the emotional journey and transformation of the protagonist
  • Often features ghosts, spirits, or historical figures as the shite
  • Includes subcategories such as mugen-noh (dream plays) and genzai-noh (realistic plays)
• Waki-Noh emphasizes the supporting character (waki)
  • Explores the waki's role in witnessing or facilitating the shite's story
  • Often features priests, travelers, or officials as the waki
  • Includes plays where the waki's prayers or actions summon the shite

Structural Elements

• Both Shite-Noh and Waki-Noh typically follow a two-act structure
  • First act (mae-ba) introduces the characters and setting
  • Second act (nochi-ba) reveals the true identity of the shite
• Incorporate standard elements of Noh performance
  • Use of masks to represent characters
  • Stylized movements and gestures (kata)
  • Chanting and musical accompaniment by the hayashi ensemble