Noh

Noh is the oldest traditional form of japanese theater. It goes back to ancient times. It's a kind of musical dance-drama. The plays are performed on a square stage with no curtains. The orchestra sits at the rear. There are drums of different sizes, and a special Noh flute. There are about two hundred fifty different Noh plays.

The main characters express themselves through dance. The speaking is done by a special chorus which sings or chants the narration and the lines. Noh often reminds westerners of classical Greek drama, especially the chorus.

The performers do wear costumes. But they also wear masks. Noh masks are symbolic. They represent different types of people. The actors have to develop the characters through movements, not facial expressions. It takes a lot of skill.