Noh theatre (nō - 能)

Noh is the oldest style of Japanese theater. The Noh is performed today exactly as it was in the 14th century when it was invented. As the language the actors use is in a very ancient form, Noh is difficult to understand even for Japanese.

Noh plays have no stage set, just a pine painting at the back. The story develops very slowly and actors are also very static. The costumes and masks are absolutely beautiful and it's a very special experience to watch a play performed exactly as it was seven hundred years ago.

 

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Noh masks [source]
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A Noh play performed on stage [source]

 

 

 

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