Plays and Characters
Famous roles
Noh Characters
Many Noh plays take their subject matters from literature and folklore that were well known during the Muromachi period (14th to 16th centuries) when Noh flourished as a performing art. For this reason, figures who were famous then and in posterity often appear in the plays, regardless of whether they are real life or imaginary characters. In addition, unworldly beings, such as god and ogre, also appear in Noh.
※ Click on the role or illustration to see an explanation.
Kyogen Characters
The characters in Kyogen are people from the Muromachi period when the works were created. Oftentimes they do not have names and are familiar people that you find anywhere. Characters with very similar personalities and roles appear in a variety of plays. Some rules apply to the characters’ costumes.
※ Click on the role or illustration to see an explanation.
Cheerful, clean appearance
God or spirit
The spirit of an aged pine tree, cherry tree, or other beings usually appears as an old person. Gods described in Japanese mythology, such as the god of the Sumiyoshi Shrine, appear and celebrate world peace and longevity. Sometimes the dragon god or thunder god appears and dances vigorously by displaying its power.
“Takasago (Takasago Bay),” “Saigyozakura (Saigyo’s Cherry Tree),” and others
A proud and easily bruised soul
Rokujo no Miyasudokoro
Rokujo no Miyasudokoro appears in “The Tale of Genji” depicting aristocratic society in the Heian period. Her husband, the crown prince, has passed away, and she has a high status. The soul that comes out of her body caused by jealousy harms her love rival. Meanwhile, she is also portrayed as a sad woman who continues to be at a loss even after her death.
“Aoinoue (Lady Aoi),” “Nonomiya (The Shrine in the Field)”
An old beautiful woman whose wisdom never fades away
Ono no Komachi
This poet was considered so intelligent and beautiful that she continues to be cited as a model of a beautiful woman to this day. In Noh, she is more often portrayed as a mentally sharp woman of an advanced age rather than as a young, flamboyant woman. Sometimes she exhibits grief and madness from falling to a low point. At other times she dances while showing embarrassment about her age and reminiscing about the past.
“Soshiarai (Komachi) (The Paper Washing (and Komachi)),” “Sotoba Komachi (Komachi on the Stupa),” and others
A beautiful man who has a flamboyant life with many romantic affairs
Ariwara no Narihira
He is a real life poet who is thought to be the model of “The Tales of Ise” and is in many Noh plays. Narihira not only appears as the main character, but also appears as a sensual man and as a target of the yearning of a female ghost.
“Izutsu (The Well Curb),” “Oshio (Mt. Oshio),” and others
Nobleman from the perishing Heike clan
Taira no Kiyotsune
The conflict between the Heike and Genji clans is depicted in “The Tale of the Heike” with a mixture of imagination, and the tragedies faced by the warriors are a subject of many Noh plays. Taira no Kiyotsune committed suicide when the fleeing Heike clan had no future ahead of them, and appears as a ghost in front of his wife with whom he failed to fulfill his promise to be reunited.
“Kiyotsune (The Nobleman Kiyotsune)”
A cheerful, popular figure and a leading character in Kyogen
Taro Kaja
Taro Kaja is a popular character in the world of Kyogen who appears in many plays. “Kaja” refers to servant. He may be yelled at by his master but he can also silence him. Even if he is thinking intelligently, he has some loose screws in his head. He is a cheerful character. He appears wearing hakama trousers that come down to the ankles and a kataginu jacket.
“Bo Shibari (Tied to a Stick),” “Suo Otoshi (The Dropped Gift),” and others
He is stuck up but also makes mistakes, making him quite a lovable character
Feudal lord
In Kyogen, a feudal lord has high status but is no more than a small-scale lord with only a few employees. He wears dignified clothing such as headgear worn by court nobles and has an arrogant attitude. Yet his lack of skills also leads to mistakes and embarrassing situations.
“Suehirogari (An Umbrella Instead of a Fan),” “Ka - Zumo (Wrestling with a Mosquito),” and others
A nagging but hardworking wife
Woman
Women who appear in Kyogen have lots of initiative to take action and are full of love. One of their leading roles is a grumbling wife who scolds and gives encouragement to her helpless husband. Wrapping and hanging a white cloth called “binan” around the head indicates a woman’s role. Women characters are performed by male actors without wearing a mask.
“Hige Yagura (The Fortified Beard),” “Kamabara (Unsuccessful Sickle Suicide),” and others
An ascetic priest who appears stern but whose impression is deceptive
Mountain priest
A mountain priest who self-proclaims to have undergone rigorous training and acquired dharmic power. He gives a prayer service by holding a rosary. Although he acts big, his dharmic power does not seem to have any effect. His humorous way of failing to perform prayer services makes the mountain priest seem like a familiar character to the audience.
“Kaki Yamabushi (The Persimmon Thief),” “Kusabira (Mushrooms),” and others
A credulous character who is easily deceived by people
Ogre
Although he is supposed to be a messenger from the frightful hell, he is no match for humans in the world of Kyogen. Ogres appear with the intention of eating humans or sending them to hell, but they are easily deceived and their weaknesses are taken advantage of. They wear masks that have large eyes, nose, and mouth as well as a hood with red hair, and carry a bamboo rod.
“Kaminari (Thunder),” “Setsubun (A Demon in Love),” and others