Jessica's Spot: Kyogen

Kyogen is one of the four classic forms of Japanese theater. It is the classic comical form of theater that is typically performed between the serious acts of Noh, in order to give the audience some comic relief. Kyogen originated in the early 17th century. Kyogen unlike Noh, stresses the use of dialogue. Both Noh and Kyogen originated from the same humorous forms of Sarugaku. The two art forms share a stage, yet are opposites in the way the performance is conducted, the masks, sounds, etc.

Kyogen, like other Japanese art forms contains only men actors. The actors do not wear elaborate costumes or make up.

The characters involved with Kyogen are mostly nameless, this art form us involved in everyday situations. Kyogen does involve masks, but not all of the time; unlike they are incorporated in Noh; infact the actors performing typically show their emotions with their own faces.

Kyogen performers wear unique masks, there are 20 different types and styles of masks; each representing a different character and meaning. The masks cover everything from ugly woman, old people, and even non-human characters. Some non human characters depicted include ghosts, plants, demons, and animal spirits. All of the masks involved in the art are intended for the audience's laughter and enjoyment. For example, the mask below is known as "Japanese Mosquito".

The following video shows a short example of a typical Kyogen play. Kyogen is performed on a simple, open stage with a wood floor which is said to enhance the gliding motion of the footwork. At the back of the stage there is a pine tree, or a painting of a pine tree; which represents long life and good fortune. This pine tree is the only "set" that is used in Kyogen performances. There are often 2 pillars on the stage also, supporting a pagoda style rood, these mark each corner of the stage.