Essence of Nō Theater

"Essence of Nō" introduces the classical Japanese dramatic art which originated from street performances and agricultural festivities. Transformed and formalized in the 14th century, Nō became a highly elegant theatrical form that appealed to aristocratic tastes. The plays focus on interactions with the gods; ghosts of medieval warriors and lovelorn women; and demons. Both male and female characters traditionally have been played by men. The staging for the theater is minimal and the actors’ movements understated, but the performances provide powerful distillations of emotions.

This video outlines the basic components of a Nō performance and takes us backstage, where the principal actor (shite) Mikata Shizuka prepares himself to assume the role of the 11th-century female poet Izumi Shikibu in the play "Seiganji."

See Nō masks and robes in the Arts of Japan gallery at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (MFA): https://www.mfa.org/gallery/arts-of-j...