Japanese Traditional Theatre

Japanese is best known for popularizing two forms of theater, Kabuki and Noh Plays. A former temple dancer, Izumo no Konumi was best known to be the founder of the Kabuki, which actually stands for dance and song. A famous form of Japanese theater for the people, plays were often critical towards the rule of Japan and were off-limits to the Samurai and Aristocrat natives. These classes were so inclined to see the Kabuki theaters that they had to resort to hiding themselves behind masks to be able to catch a glimpse of the Kabuki presentation.

On the other hand, the Noh Theater considered a highly refined and serene theater was founded by Zeami. Zeami has written quite a number of plays and most are still being shown to the world today. Basing plays on people, events and poetry, it exists to this day as a form of abstraction and beauty that is not found elsewhere. Noh is a living art form but is not really dramatic. Instead, it focuses of full poetical allusions and dances that are performed slowly but elegantly.