How to Enjoy Noh Theater

Noh theater is a wonderful combination of dancing, music, spoken words and extravagant costumes. Noh theater comes from Japan and began in the 13th century. Noh performers don't act out a play, they use actions to make a metaphor visible. Noh theater performers are more like storytellers than actors. Follow these steps to learn how to enjoy Noh theater.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Prepare yourself for the beauty of Noh theater. It will be easier to enjoy if you understand why Noh theater is more artistic than traditional theater. The rhythms of the Noh music and the singing of the chorus will take you out of your present reality and fully engross you in the magic of Noh theater.

2. Understand that Noh theater is rich in history and is still performed in the same way as when it first began in the fourteenth century. The Noh theater scripts are still closely followed right down to the detail of how dances are performed. Realize that even though the plays are very old stories they are still relevant in our society.

3. Remain open minded, Noh theater is not full of action. It's very slow paced if you are expecting a more action packed play you may find it slightly boring. Noh plays are often short--they usually consist of three stories with short interludes of humorous sketches.

4. Watch the play and think about how much the plays have withstood the test of time. Enjoy how they have not been altered to become more modern. Realize Noh theater is popular because it goes against modern trends.