What type of masks are used in Noh Theatre?

The wooden carved masks used by Noh actors are called Omote, the word can be used to denote an appearance or exterior, and its meaning can be explained according to the context of the play. Omote are carved by a single piece of wood that can take several weeks or months to finish.

What are the five types of masks in Noh Theatre?

There are over 200 types of noh masks, grouped in categories, types, and variant types. One of the most common subdivisions conceives of five groups: god masks, female masks, male masks, spirit masks, and demon masks. Masks used in the ritual performance Okina constitute an additional category.

What are Japanese theater masks called?

omote
Noh masks are called omote in Japanese. They serve to characterize a certain role in a play. Noh plays seldom have more than 2-3 actors, and only the actor who represents the main role (“shite”) plus his companion (“tsure”) wear masks. The narrator (“waki”) never wears a mask.

Why are Noh Theatre masks important?

Masks are very important in the Noh and are worn only by the main character. The mask helps to raise the action out of the ordinary, to freeze it in time. For the Noh actor the mask of a particular character has almost a magic power.

Is Noh Theatre still performed today?

Noh (能, Nō, derived from the Sino-Japanese word for “skill” or “talent”) is a major form of classical Japanese dance-drama that has been performed since the 14th century. Developed by Kan’ami and his son Zeami, it is the oldest major theatre art that is still regularly performed today.

What are the six types of Noh plays?

Types of Noh. Noh can be divided into five different categories: god, man, woman, mad-woman, demon. In a full noh program, on noh from each category would be played.

Why do Japanese wear Oni masks?

Oni masks are most common during the Bean-Throwing Festival, also known as Setsubun, when people wear them for festival performances at shrines. Parents will even wear them at home to frighten their children, while the kids throw beans to scare the “oni” away and invite good luck into the house for the year.

What does a Tengu mask mean?

Tengu are the fearsome demi-gods who protect the mountains. Tengu masks are used for Noh stage plays and certain Shinto festivals. They’re also often used as a decoration since the tengu are thought to frighten bad spirits and bring good luck.

What are Kabuki masks called?

Kabuki actors do not wear masks, but rather, most of them paint their faces in a style called “kesho.” First, a performer applies a thick layer of white makeup made of rice powder over his entire face, using different shades depending on the age, social status and gender of his character.

What are the five types of noh play?

Noh can be divided into five different categories: god, man, woman, mad-woman, demon. In a full noh program, on noh from each category would be played. This is known as goban date.

What is the difference between Kabuki and noh Theatre?

“Noh is a very traditional performance, but kabuki is something that’s for ordinary people.” In noh, performers wear a mask, but in kabuki, they use face paint. Kabuki is also more exaggerated – for example, while both employ wigs, the ones used in kabuki are a lot longer and more voluminous.

What is the oldest type of noh drama?

Developed by Kan’ami and his son Zeami, it is the oldest major theatre art that is still regularly performed today. Although the terms Noh and nōgaku are sometimes used interchangeably, nōgaku encompasses both Noh and kyōgen….Noh.