Noh play Princess Tatsuta 2014 7/27
Last Friday I went to National Noh Theater to watch Noh and Kyogen.
Noh are played by Noh actors, musicians and group singers.
Noh actors are divided into “ site” (principal actors) and “waki” (supporting actors) and secondary actors.
There are 5 old families of “ site”, namely Kanze, Konparu, Hosho, Kongo, Kita. And all these families have been basically succeeded by hereditary. For example, Kanze, biggest Noh family, have been succeeded for around 650 years since Kan-ami founded it in mid 14th century and the current head of the family is 26th generation.
Besides “site” families, there are families who specialize in “waki” role and also have been succeeded by hereditary.
The same thing can be said with Noh musicians and Noh singers. Noh music is composed of flute, small hand drum, large hand drum and drum. There are again old families who specialize in each musical instrument and have been succeeded by hereditary.
Friday’s program was “Tatsuta” which were played by Hosho’ site and Fukuo’s waki.
Tatsuta river has been famous for beautiful autumn leaves and many poets have been making touching and well known poems about Tatsuta district from old days.
Noh play “Tatsuta” emphasizes the extreme beauty of autumn leaves and how people take good care of them.
Toward the end of the play, Princess Tatsuta who is worshipped at Tatsuta shrine dances fascinatingly in splendid autumn leaves dress with traditional music and songs.
Finally flute by Fujita family echoes elegantly and impressively in the soundless theater.
“Tatsuta” reminds us of Japanese people’s deep and continuous love and respect in natural beauty.
(aobanokai.exblog.jp)
