Edexcel A-Level 2024 Theatre History
Exam 2 Review
Noh
Translating to "skill" or "craft." Classic drama of Japan, developed chiefly in the 14th
century, employing verse, prose, choral song, and dance in highly conventionalized
formal and thematic patterns derived from religious sources and folk myths. Performed
mainly for the elite. A well-known example is Atsumori by Zeami Motokiyo.
Kabuki
A more recent (17th century) and popular type of Japanese drama in which music,
dance, and mime are used to present stories. Highly theatrical and crowd-pleasing. All
characters are played by men.
Vignette
A short scene that captures a single moment or a defining detail about a character,
idea, or other element of the story. Vignettes are mostly descriptive; in fact, they often
include little or no plot detail. Often utilized in Kabuki theatre.
Bunraku
17th-century Japanese puppet theatre with large wooden puppets with many movable
parts, onstage puppeteers dressed in black, and a narrator who chants the script. Still
regularly performed today.
Shintoism
Religion originated in Japan and is related to Buddhism. Focuses particularly on nature
and ancestor worship. Traditional Noh theatres resemble the shrines and temples of this
religion.
,Zen Buddhism
A Buddhist sect that emphasizes enlightenment through meditation and stresses
simplicity and discipline
Samurai
Class of warriors in feudal Japan who pledged loyalty to a noble in return for land.
Shogun
In feudal Japan, a noble similar to a duke. They were the military commanders and the
actual rulers of Japan for many centuries while the Emperor was a powerless spiritual
figure.
Kanami
(1333 - 1384) Japanese actor, author, and musician during the Muromachi period who
is credited with founding Noh theatre. His troupe became renowned among Japanese
elites. He passed down all of his knowledge to his son Zeami.
Zeami
(1363-1443) Regarded as the greatest playwright of Noh theatre. He wrote down all of
the knowledge that his father Kanami gave to him. He provided 90 of the approximately
230 plays in the modern repertoire. Among his best works are Atsumori, The Robe of
Feathers, Birds of Sorrow, and Wind in the Pines.
, Monomane
Imitation, frequently used in the Noh theatre. Imitation must be appropriate and get to
the real elements of the character portrayed to be effective
Yūgen
Often translated as "grace," an awareness of the universe that triggers emotional
responses too deep and mysterious for words. An aesthetic feature common in Noh
theatre
Hana
A word referring to the charm of a stage performance. In his theories, Zeami likened it to
"interest" or "curiousness." An aesthetic feature of Noh that emphasizes spiritual growth
and moral beauty
Fans
A prop very common in Noh theatre, often incorporated in the choreography. Plays a
range of descriptive roles. In one scene, it may express the character's feelings in a
sensitive way, or items such as a drinking cup or an ink brush. In another, it will depict
elements such as wind or waves.
Shite
The main character in Noh theatre, often spoken for by the chorus. Always masked.
Waki
The supporting character in Noh theatre. Never masked.
Kyogen
A farce that often accompanies a Noh play (sort of like a satyr play) Also refers to the
actor of the farce that will often feature in the interlude of a noh play
Exam 2 Review
Noh
Translating to "skill" or "craft." Classic drama of Japan, developed chiefly in the 14th
century, employing verse, prose, choral song, and dance in highly conventionalized
formal and thematic patterns derived from religious sources and folk myths. Performed
mainly for the elite. A well-known example is Atsumori by Zeami Motokiyo.
Kabuki
A more recent (17th century) and popular type of Japanese drama in which music,
dance, and mime are used to present stories. Highly theatrical and crowd-pleasing. All
characters are played by men.
Vignette
A short scene that captures a single moment or a defining detail about a character,
idea, or other element of the story. Vignettes are mostly descriptive; in fact, they often
include little or no plot detail. Often utilized in Kabuki theatre.
Bunraku
17th-century Japanese puppet theatre with large wooden puppets with many movable
parts, onstage puppeteers dressed in black, and a narrator who chants the script. Still
regularly performed today.
Shintoism
Religion originated in Japan and is related to Buddhism. Focuses particularly on nature
and ancestor worship. Traditional Noh theatres resemble the shrines and temples of this
religion.
,Zen Buddhism
A Buddhist sect that emphasizes enlightenment through meditation and stresses
simplicity and discipline
Samurai
Class of warriors in feudal Japan who pledged loyalty to a noble in return for land.
Shogun
In feudal Japan, a noble similar to a duke. They were the military commanders and the
actual rulers of Japan for many centuries while the Emperor was a powerless spiritual
figure.
Kanami
(1333 - 1384) Japanese actor, author, and musician during the Muromachi period who
is credited with founding Noh theatre. His troupe became renowned among Japanese
elites. He passed down all of his knowledge to his son Zeami.
Zeami
(1363-1443) Regarded as the greatest playwright of Noh theatre. He wrote down all of
the knowledge that his father Kanami gave to him. He provided 90 of the approximately
230 plays in the modern repertoire. Among his best works are Atsumori, The Robe of
Feathers, Birds of Sorrow, and Wind in the Pines.
, Monomane
Imitation, frequently used in the Noh theatre. Imitation must be appropriate and get to
the real elements of the character portrayed to be effective
Yūgen
Often translated as "grace," an awareness of the universe that triggers emotional
responses too deep and mysterious for words. An aesthetic feature common in Noh
theatre
Hana
A word referring to the charm of a stage performance. In his theories, Zeami likened it to
"interest" or "curiousness." An aesthetic feature of Noh that emphasizes spiritual growth
and moral beauty
Fans
A prop very common in Noh theatre, often incorporated in the choreography. Plays a
range of descriptive roles. In one scene, it may express the character's feelings in a
sensitive way, or items such as a drinking cup or an ink brush. In another, it will depict
elements such as wind or waves.
Shite
The main character in Noh theatre, often spoken for by the chorus. Always masked.
Waki
The supporting character in Noh theatre. Never masked.
Kyogen
A farce that often accompanies a Noh play (sort of like a satyr play) Also refers to the
actor of the farce that will often feature in the interlude of a noh play
