Nôgaku Theatre

Japan

The Nôgaku theatre dates back to the 8th century and evolved incorporating various artistic forms such as acrobatics, song, dance and comic impersonations. Today, Nôgaku is the main tradition of Japanese theatre. The plays, often inspired by traditional literature, incorporate masks, costumes, props and dance.

Nôgaku encompasses two types of theatre : the Nô and the Kyôgen. In the Nô, supernatural heroes become human to tell a story. Masks represent, for example, ghosts, women, children and old men. Kyôgen relies on comic dialogues, for which scripts are written in a medieval oral language.

Threats:  Interest in Nôgaku is in decline among young people.

Action plan: The Nôgaku has been designated an Intangible Cultural Property since 1957 and is thereby protected, along with its traditional artists. The Japanese government provides financial support and training for Nôgaku theatre actors. A system for recording the performances is planned.