When the 2 square hardwood sticks generally called hyoshigi (clappers) strike each other, the Ki sound is produced. Both the hyoshigi themselves and the sound they make are called Ki. Ki are used to notify actors of timing related to performances, to create cues for acting, and for sound effects. The Ki sounds used as cues are the most familiar to audiences.
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Before a play starts, the stage curtain is opened as cued by the Ki pattern called Naoshi, and in Makugire, just before the actor's last speech or action, a Ki called Kigashira is sounded and the curtain is closed as signaled by the Ki. The person responsible for the ki must be particularly sure to watch what the actor is doing on stage and must strike the Kigashira with appropriate timing.
Unlike the Tsuke, which are struck on Kamite (stage left, audience's right), Ki are sounded in a spot not visible from audience seats. |
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