Kabuki

Kabuki is one of the major forms of traditional Japanese theater. It dates from the seenteenth century. There are three basic kinds of drama in Kabuki. One deals with the lives of warriors and nobles, and another with the lives of the common people. Still another incorporates dance. Kabuki is performed on a revolving stage with a runway extending into the audience.

Music is used in Kabuki, except for certain plays, music is an essential part of Kabuki. But it might sound strange to western ears. The instruments are traditional ones- the Japanese lute or shamisen, for example. And the music is highly stylized.

Kabuki costumes are quite elaborate. The makeup is very heavy, almost mask-like. The audience can tell the character by the makeup. All female roles are played by men. The entire performance, even the speaking style, is extremely exaggerated.

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.