What Is The Mystical Feeling Known As In Mugen Noh?

Noh theatre, a traditional Japanese performing arts form dating back to the 14th century, features characters that inhabit a timeless world called a “dream”. The fundamental form of Noh is “Mugen Noh”, where the secondary character, often a priest, dreams a dream in which the protagonist, known as “Mugen Noh”, is the main character. The significance and symbolism of masks, chants, and other elements of Noh Theatre are explored.

Onryo, the vengeful spirits of grudge in Japanese mythology, folklore, and storytelling, are also discussed. The history, stories, and examples of male and female onryo, such as Sugawara no, are also discussed. Masks are used to convey emotions and symbolize characters in Noh Theatre.

Genzai-noh, a form of Noh with linear stories and human characters, is another form that features a stage about the past and present. The architectural design is taken from the dance stages of Shinto shrines, creating a sense of sacredness when watching Noh.

Noh can be divided into two categories: Genzai noh (present time noh) and Mugen noh (phantasmal noh). Genzai noh deals with stories happening in the present, while Mugen noh deals with spirits, ghosts, phantasms, and supernatural worlds.

The play Tōru serves as a model for exploring how Zeami’s nō utilized waka theory and Buddhist aesthetics in his time. Mugen Noh is based on the gentle, lyrical beauty expressed by the word yugen, while fantasy Noh scripts are based on classical themes. By understanding the history, theater, and meaning of masks, one can experience the extraordinary yet powerful energy of Noh theatre.