| Inspired both spiritually and artistically by Zen Buddhism, the Japanese nō theater dates from the 14th century and has remained virtually unchanged since then. It is a blend of drama, dance, music, mime, and poetry. The stories are for and about the upper classes of Japanese society, and the roles are always played by men. Instrumental music, vocals, and action are intricately combined in these productions and often perform various roles. For example, the gutteral vocal interjections uttered by the drummers serve to mark time as well as to create a mood or appropriate atmosphere for the play. |
Hotmail
Messenger
My MSN
MSN Directory
