Noh and Kyogen are two of Japan’s traditional theatrical forms. Noh, the most ancient of them, is religious and usually centres on the sin of killing and the joy of Buddhism. Kyogen is intended as the light relief in between. Despite the language barrier – even Japanese people have difficulty understanding the florid language – there is much to admire in these performances. As with much that is Japanese, their appeal rests as much with aesthetics as with content. Noh actors never rehearse together before performing and the spontaneity of the performance is one of the form’s main attractions. Two separate plays are rendered during each performance
