Thursday, June 15, 2006

Kyogen masks


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Originally uploaded by jesjmurphy.
Here is a picture from yesterday's performances. I'm trying to update as I go so I don't end up with a million photos to edit and upload after I get back.

Kyogen is a traditional form of drama, with roots in song, dance, and folktale. As Noh is to tragedy, Kyogen is to comedy. Lots of physical comedy, lots of servents trying to outwit masters, and stylized movement and vocal patterns.



random Japan fact for the day: Kabuki, which is thought of now as a fairly "high art" kind of performance, got it's start as a girly show in the bath houses. Because of fighting over the women by the out-of-work samuri, women were banned from the stage. As were young boys.

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