A guide to the affectionate faces of the Japanese theater

NOH Theater was created around the 14th century, although it is based on a tradition of at least 1,000 years. This is an ancient and complex form of art that is often difficult to explain, but can be better understood by studying the language it uses.

For example, the actor does not “execute” NOH. They “dance”, pointing out the basic role of fluid, sliding movement in this minimalist and majestic Japanese theater. Similarly, actors won’t “wear” NOH masks. They “attached” it to indicate a deeper connection with people and simple props. But what does this mean for the actors who portray the demon? Let’s take a closer look at the power of NOH mask.

NOH mask as a living object

Initially, there were 60 NOH masks, but today there are more than 200 masks, including (but not limited to) bycle (Old man) mask, Alnna (Woman) Mask and Onryo (Ghost and Spirit) Mask. But even in the same category, no two masks are truly the same, as professional craftsmen or in some cases handmade by NOH actors themselves. This reinforces the idea that NOH mask is not a prop, but is similar to the actor’s companion in a dance theater. Although this is not a super useful one, as the mask’s small eyelets severely limit vision, forcing dancers to rely on their memory of each person’s position on the stage.

Each actor is expected to choose his own mask and project his soul onto frozen expressions in order to be one with his partner. This is why NOH mask cannot cover the entire face, but exposes the chin and parts of the body. It can be clearly shown that the masked actor is actually a fusion of two creatures. This is why the word “mask” is usually why in Japanese kamen – In addition to being in NOH, they are called Omote, Literally “face”. But whose face? Some woodworking (such as Omote Usually made of cypress blocks) think NOH mask is Human facebut historically, they are God’s faces.

Kissin Masks in the National Museum of Tokyo | Wikimedia Commons

Gods and Devils

The first NOH mask is likely to have religious significance and has similar functions as the mask Kagula,,,,, Where the performer says Become a ship of the gods. This belief has been perfected over time in NOH, which now basically believes that impermanent, imperfect humans cannot express true beauty without help. That’s where the mask comes from. Even NOH actors who don’t wear masks should make their faces “like masks” and become more like God through it.

But the thing about “God” is that the word has a broader meaning in Japanese and can also include creatures that Westerners are more likely to describe it as Monsters and demons. In fact, have (Demon) Mask is one of the first Omotes Developed for NOH Theater to help actors draw on powerful emotions such as anger, sadness and jealousy. It is an interesting coincidence since Zeami, who was believed to be NOH’s father, was expelled to the secluded island of Sado in 1434, for historical reasons. We don’t even know the exact date of his death, because all the official records of his exile were lost or (for good, terrible yarn) were destroyed. The Japanese once became The powerful god of wrath Much less.

Painting of NOH performer of Hannana’s mask from Dojoji Temple (c. 1900-1927) | Wikimedia Commons

No wrath in hell

NOH The only one Mask depicts revenge and jealousy Female Spirit. Usually appearing in tragic love stories, teaching lessons about the dangers of unrestricted emotions, Hannana Mask is the most compelling Omote In a dance drama. With its sinister horns, facial contours twisted in evil ways and sharp fangs, the mask is designed to terrify the audience, but also makes them sympathetic to the torture of the suffering female spirit.

In fact, there are many types of Hannya masks, but most people have a deep sadness towards them, which may explain why their names may come from the Sanskrit word “wisdom”. Being able to capture all the ambivalence of Hannia’s character in a piece of wood takes a lifetime of experience. Another theory says that Hanya masks worn by actors portraying emotionally controlled characters are so named because they symbolize the exact opposite of “wisdom” (the influence of Buddhism on NOH Theater).

Since NOH is the one to be a mask, you might think there is some concern about portraying vicious supernatural creatures, especially because Japanese myths talk about people finally fusing into their faces by wearing masks, just like in the closed doji legend. But in the NOH tradition, it is believed that Hannana’s actually Open Evil energy, unfortunately, they haven’t really become amulets yet. Omamori It’s cool, everything is cool, but life will be even more fun if you’re socially accepting ass kicking the demon mask. For mental protection.

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