Mini intro to Noh and Kabuki

Noh and Kabuki are two types of traditional Japanese theatre. I went to a short, free talk at one of Singapore's libraries yesterday, and learned a bit about them for the first time. I've seen examples of both (and tbh they look a bit long-winded!) but it was interesting to learn a little about their histories. Maybe one day I will actually get the courage to watch a full show?

Noh is the oldest (established c 1300) and it is quite formal and elegant, and the characters wear masks (which in turn restricts their movements, as it's apparently very hard to see out of them!) Kabuki is younger (c 1600) and a bit more lively / showy. Kabuki characters have painted faces but no masks.  In fact both styles of theatre share common stories (as does the impressive puppet theatre known as Bunraku) Stories and themes might stem from religious fables or reflect social issues of the time. One of the common themes is the dance of two lions (father and son) among the peonies.

Noh has a stage set-up which includes a side entrance with a number of pine trees marking the players' progression. These culminate with a big pine tree at the back of the stage, which is supposed to provide seating for Gods/spirits who want to watch the show. Noh is rehearsed once by the characters before a performance. All characters are played by male actors, and there is singing. Here's an excerpt of Noh (you can see the spirits' pine tree in the background):

Kabuki's stage includes an entry gangway running through the audience, the main stage also might have a circular, revolving section, allowing various set effects. Kabuki was actually started by women, but after problems with prostitution, this was banned in favour of young male performers. But this also had sleaze problems, so in the end all characters (except for children, if relevant) were played by mature men.

Noh and Kabuki performances are not simply about the characters and 'story' but about their  combination with music (instruments are also set, and differ between Noh and Kabuki) complete with chanting (to keep the beat) as well as the dance / costumes. And the costumes are incredible, I must say! Here's some Kabuki: 

What struck me most, is the difference that Japanese theatre has to Western theatre. It's a completely different concept. There is no director, with his/her particular angle or interpretation on each play. The performances are all set pieces, which the various players will have learned and pre-prepared over years. I guess a bit like kata in martial arts. Then they get together and perform. Hence why actors only need to rehearse together once in Noh! To a Westerner, it seems like a recipe for boredom, if each piece is the same, without a new angle or interpretation - but I don't think 'story' is the main focus of these traditional styles of theatre. I guess it's the technical skill of the particular musicians / actors etc at playing out their set part which is key? Also, of course, in the 1700's (pre-internet!) you were probably unlikely to get to see every Noh/Kabuki play on the circuit - so each new performance would have its own appeal.

In the modern day, there are of course more variations and interpretations, which include 'super-Kabuki' (a real showpiece, which might have characters flying on wires etc and looks like fun!) and I believe Shakespeare has been used quite frequently, played out in Kabuki style and in Japanese! :) 

Anyways, this has been a very mini intro to these art forms. Have a look at a few more clips online and see what you think. Maybe worth catching the real thing one day?