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Noh or Nō (能) is a major form of classical Japanese musical drama that has
been performed since the 14th century. Together with the closely-related kyogen
farce, it evolved from various popular, folk and aristocratic art forms, including
Dengaku, Shirabyoshi, and Gagaku. Surprisingly, although Noh has been slow
and stylised for the past few centuries, its roots can be traced back to Chinese
acrobatics, Sarugaku, and folk theatricals. Kan'ami and his son Zeami brought
Noh to its present-day form during the Muromachi period. It would later influence
other dramatic forms such as Kabuki and Butoh. During the Meiji era, although its
governmental patronage was lost, Noh and kyogen received official recognition
as two of the three national forms of drama.
Noh is unique in its slow, spartan grace and its use of distinctive masks.
been performed since the 14th century. Together with the closely-related kyogen
farce, it evolved from various popular, folk and aristocratic art forms, including
Dengaku, Shirabyoshi, and Gagaku. Surprisingly, although Noh has been slow
and stylised for the past few centuries, its roots can be traced back to Chinese
acrobatics, Sarugaku, and folk theatricals. Kan'ami and his son Zeami brought
Noh to its present-day form during the Muromachi period. It would later influence
other dramatic forms such as Kabuki and Butoh. During the Meiji era, although its
governmental patronage was lost, Noh and kyogen received official recognition
as two of the three national forms of drama.
Noh is unique in its slow, spartan grace and its use of distinctive masks.