National Noh Theater, Tokyo
Using more suggestion then description, the minimalist Noh theater is one of the oldest forms of performance in Japan. In the 14Th century, Noh actors were under the authority of Japanese temples, but by the end of the century the Noh theater started developing into its modern form. Many plays that were written in that time are still performed today, making Noh one of the best preserved traditional theaters in the world. This form of act and the profession of Noh actor is inherited from father and son, and only men are aloud to play.
Understood as ability or skill, Noh combines drama, music poetry and dance into a subtle performance. The public is expected to already know the plot, since this form of drama is not at all explicit (a one-page English version of the story is available for new public). In modern times, the indoor stage is decorated with pebbles and small trees suggesting the original outdoor scenery of Noh plays.
The show is very long - about 6 hours - and could see