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Noh

In commemoration of the 50 years of Philippines-Japan Friendship, the Philippines Department of Foreign Affairs and the Embassy of Japan, invited us to a Noh Performance at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza. It was attended by Honrable Alberto G. Romulo, Philippines Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Honorable Taro Aso, Japanese Foreign Minister.

Noh is one of Japan's four forms of classical theatre. The other three include Kyogen, Kabuki and Bunraku. Noh is a masked theatrical form which combines elements of dance, drama, music and poetry into one highly aesthetic performance. Noh developed as a distinct form in the 14th century during the Muromachi Period (1336-1568), making it the oldest extant professional theatre in the world. Together with 18 other living cultural heritages that include the Hudhud Chants of the Ifugaos, Nohgaku, the dual art of Noh and Kyogen, was proclaimed by UNESCO a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible heritage of Humanity in 2001.

The Noh play takes place on a sparse wooden bare stage. In contrast to the bare stage, the costumes are lavish. Many performers, especially the shite (main character), wear rich silk brocades. Noh texts are very lyrical and poetic with lots of puns and literary allusions. Dances are intrinsic in many Noh plays. They are generally slow and usually danced solo. Leaps and turns are present in Noh dancing but virtuso leaps and ballet spins are seens as vulgar. The ideal technique is not to show any technique but to hide it in perfect execution. The aim of the Noh dancer is to make the dance appear effortless to the audience.

Okina, the central figure played by the shite (main character), puts on the mask of an old man who symbolizes eternal youth and longevity. This is the only play in the Noh repertory where the shite puts on the mask while on stage. Senzai, played by the waki (secondary character), brings in the box containing the mask of the old man. The perfomers in Okina, including the ji-utai (chorus) and the hayashi (orchestra) wear special formal costumes.
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Shite (Main Character) enters the stage
Shite (Main Character) enters the stage
Waki (Secondary Character) brings in the Mask
Waki (Secondary Character) brings in the Mask
Waki presents the mask to the Shite
Waki presents the mask to the Shite
The second Waki waiting for his turn
The second Waki waiting for his turn
The Box
The Box
Shite puts on the Mask
Shite puts on the Mask
Waki dance while the Shite waits for his turn
Waki dance while the Shite waits for his turn
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The Best Picture of the Evening
The Best Picture of the Evening
Shite takes his turn to perform
Shite takes his turn to perform
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Removal of the Mask after the performance
Removal of the Mask after the performance
Shite bows to the audience
Shite bows to the audience
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The Orchestra
The Orchestra
Second Waki performing
Second Waki performing
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Sanbaso
Sanbaso
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Dance of Sisa
Dance of Sisa
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Noh Kan (Flute)
Noh Kan (Flute)
The Masters of Noh
The Masters of Noh
Secretary Romulo and Minister Aso
Secretary Romulo and Minister Aso
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