Theatres of Ancient

Japan
By: Katie B, Damon B, and Ellie J
Introduction
*There are real looking plays
*Started with all-women, but became all men
*Lots of communication
*Began in the 1300’s
*Based on current events
*Different theaters have themes – ex:
the Bunraku theatre was based on puppets.
Kabuki Theatre
*Revolving stage
*Traveling actors
*Often only merchants
*Disliked by Tokagawa Shoguns
*Action-packed with mythical creatures
*Colorful costumes and make up
Bunraku Theatre

*Wooden and hand puppets

*Puppeteer controls body and right arm
*Puppeteer controls left arm
*Puppeteer controls legs
*Tayu- narrates, speaks for puppets
Noh Theatre

*No scenery
*Small movements
*Humans, ghosts, spirits, demons
*Honorable enough for Samurai
Actors

*Some theaters don’t have actors but

puppeteers
*Focus on mask and costumes a lot
*Actors travel– play in small towns for
food or money
*Some actors turn into mythical
creatures.
Samurai and Nobles
*Not allowed in most theatres, except
for the Noh theatre, according to their
code of honor, Miyabi.
*Sometimes dressed as peasants to
watch plays
*If master found out the Samurai would
commit seppuku, honorable suicide.
Conclusion

These are the types of

theaters that make ancient
Japanese culture so unique.