PACIFIC RIM!

Noh Drama

Originated with simple popular folk dances and plays

By 14th century, became symbolic dances of importance

The Stage

Almost bare, open on three sides

No curtain, no background scenery except for a pine tree painted near rear wall

The Actors

Two actors– The protagonistUsually the spirit of a person trapped on

earth by worldly desires but longing for salvation

The AssistantHelps protagonist into Nirvana, the

Buddhist version of Heaven

KABUKI

Founded in the 17th century by an actress named Okuri.

By mid-17th century, Kabuki was very popular.

The Stage

Rectangular platformAudience on all three sides (THRUST STAGE)Trap doors, which added opportunities for tricks and surprises2 bridges built forward into the audience for more affective entrances

The ActorsOnly males were allowed to act

Onnagata’s were males who specialized in women’s roles

They must be a dancer and a pantomimist, in order to get the full affect of the play

ChikamatsuLived from 1660-1724He was considered the “Shakespeare of Japan”His plays range from heroic tragedy to melodrama, and satire to farce.

Haiku

Form of Japanese poetry

Centers around nature and natural things in the universe

5-7-5

OrigamiOrigami is the art of paper folding. The word is Japanese, literally meaning to fold (oru) paper (kami).

Image from http://www.picture-newsletter.com/origami/origami-12.jpg

History of Origami

First developed in China

Buddhist Monks brought paper to Japan in the sixth century

Figures made from origami shaped like animals, costumed people, ceremonial designs

TextilesSilk textile process invented in ChinaOther Asian cultures followed suitPacific Rim became called “The Silk Road”

Image from http://www.zhejiang-silk.com/images/g8.jpg

Ceramics

Overlords– EmperorCeramics named for Dynasty of EmperorExample at left is a Ming Vase, from the Ming Dynasty(This vase is worth more than $1 million.)

http://www.portobello.com.au/portobello/reading/images/r_cchin0.jpg