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Unit 3 Japanese Performing Arts Influences of Culture • Shinto – a religion meaning “Way of the Gods” that is closely aligned with nature and spirit worship. • Buddhism – a religion that teaches suffering is inherent to life, but humans can still be liberated from suffering by mental and moral selfpurification. • Japan has codes of behavior regarding sacrifice, loyalty, and revenge and a samurai code of the warrior. QUESTION: How could these practices influence performing art? Early Japanese Theatre •Shinto & Buddhist rituals •Court Entertainments •794-1195 CE Nō (Noh)Theatre • Noh Theatre – a complex form of classical drama favored by the noble people of Japan. • Zeami Motokiyo – established the noh theatre structure. The most influential and important figure of noh theatre. • Stories came from literary or historical figures that were familiar to audiences. • Actors trained from childhood (singing, dancing, acting, and mime) • The passion of the character sometimes appears as a spirit. QUESTION: How do we include these types of stories in our performing arts? Noh Theatre Characters • Shite – Main character, masked • Waki – supporting character (warrior, Shinto priest, monk). No mask. • Tsure – accompanying role • Kyōgen – comedy play that developed next to Noh. (comedy interludes.) • Chorus of ten men Bunraku • Bunraku – puppet theatre where the texts are chanted and music plays in the background • Joruri – the chanted texts • Chanters – people who perform the voices and narrate the story • Samisen – a three-stringed instrument like a banjo that plays during bunraku. Characteristics of Bunraku • Puppets are handled by 3 people - one for the legs - one for the left arm - Chief Handler – handles the head and right arm and is dressed in an elaborate costume, unlike the others. • Puppets are 2/3 life size. Kabuki • Kabuki – a popular type of theatre where stories range from fantasy to reality and have a basis in dance. • In Kabuki, actors imitate puppet type movements. Characteristics of Kabuki • Actors are trained from childhood in vocal technique, dancing, and acting. • Onnagata – male actors who play women’s roles by imitating the essence of a feminine personality through stylized gestures. • Costumes/makeup are elegant and gorgeous. QUESTION: Form a supported opinion of Japanese performing art. Would this be something you would like to experience in real life?