NOH THEATER Schools & Roles

There are five schools of Noh that train actors in theshite or main role in a Noh play. All shite role actors are qualified to play the role of shite, in addition to koken (stage manager) and ji (chorus). Their studies also include lessons in the flute and drums. Plays are usually produced by shite role actors.

Although many troupes performed Noh over the centuries, these five schools still perform today. Each of these schools or ryu represent teaching lineages for their respective specialties. At the head of each school is the soke or headmaster. Below them are the shokubun or families that have practiced Noh for many years. Many of these families have been practicing Noh since the 17th century.

Noh was refined and developed chiefly by Kan’ami (1333-1384) and his son Zeami (1363-1443). Zeami refined the language and style of Noh. He eventually fell out of favor with the Japanese elite but his scripts and theoretical writings on Noh have had great influence on Noh performers and critics to the present day.

Kanze claims direct descent from Zeami. Its headmaster resides in Tokyo, although a large contingent of Kanze families perform in Kyoto and throughout Japan.

Komparu was established by Zeami’s son-in-law, Zenchiku, to whom Zeami passed on his secret teachings. This school is based in the Nara region.

Kongo began in the Nara region along with Kanze and is currently based in Kyoto. This school is renowned for its dance style and excellent masks.

Hosho was patronized by the Shogunate (military leaders) in Kamakura, and later by the wealthy Maeda clan in present day Ishikawa region. This school is currently headquartered in Tokyo.

Kita began when a gifted Kongo performer received patronage from Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun (military leader) of the Edo period (1603-1867). Kita is based in Tokyo.

Shite is the main actor. Actors trained in the shite role also serve as koken (stage manager) and ji (chorus).

Tsure is a subsidiary role performed by an actor trained in the shite specialty.

Waki is the first actor to enter the stage, often in the role of a travelling priest or hermit. His presence elicits the shite to appear and tell the story of his or her life.

Ai (kyogen kata) is an actor that plays the part of villager who performs the comic role and independent skits between Noh plays. His monologue between the first and second acts gives theshite time to change costume and mask and explains the story to the audience in plainer and easier to understand language.

Ji is the chorus, performed by 6-8 actors trained in the shite role.

Koken is the stage manager. Helps shite dress and put on mask, sits at back of stage during performance to pick up dropped items, adjust costumes, and even fill in forshite if shite is unable to continue performance.

Hayashi are musicians who play flute, shoulder drum, hip drum, or stick drum.