An exhibit at the Portland (Oregon) Art Museum (November 17, 2012 to February 24, 2013) shows Noh: Dance Drama of the Samurai. Noh is an ancient Japanese form of theater that derives from dances performed at forest shrines to entertain the gods. The Noh drama reflects the Buddhist beliefs of the samurai class. Typically, the protagonist is the ghost of a character from the distant past, one who has been condemned to suffer because of attachment to the transitory world. The protagonist encounters a travelling priest and, in the course of conversation, confesses sins and seeks salvation. The tormented ghost finds release through the catharsis of narration and re-enactment.
During the 14th and 15th centuries, the Noh was performed for an exclusive audience of samurai—Japan’s warrior elites. During this time the medieval authors introduced a repertoire of plays showing a range of human emotions—love, jealousy, hatred, and greed—through a blend of dance, music, and poetry.
On a stage of less than 20 square feet, the cast—usually two or three male actors—wears masks for most roles and wears a dazzling silk brocade. There is no scenery other than a pine painted on the back wall. The orchestra is composed of three drummers and a flutist. There is also a chorus of eight men whose primary function is to chant the lines of the protagonist during the dance scenes.
Shown above is a mask worn in warrior ghost roles: the mask evokes the spirit of a courageous soldier who suffers agonies in the afterlife because he still harbors hatred for his enemy.
This mask represents a mythical half-bird, half-human demon that dwells in the mountains and forest.
Shown above is the mask of a young, unmarried girl.
Shown above is the mask of a handsome, young protagonist. His light complexion, blackened teeth, and high eyebrows are signs of his cultured upbringing.
The color woodblock shown above shows the ghost of an infamous robber who was slain by Yoshitsune, a great hero of the Minamoto warrior clan. In this scene he mimes his final combat which the chorus chants and account of the exchange of blows.
Shown above is a display of the small drums used by the orchestra.