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Kabuki and Noh Theatre
Kabuki and Noh are two popular forms of traditional theatre in Japanese society. Both are
used to tell stories with emphases on drama. The two have similarities and differences that make
each unique without diminishing the Japanese feel in them. While Both Kabuki and Hoh are
made similar by their origin from ancient Japanese culture, a difference is in the way actors are
selected and reliance on masks and face painting.
The first similarity is that Kabuki and Noh are both forms of Japanese drama and are used
to entertain through stories. The theme in both is related to ancient Japanese society. All
characters wear traditional clothes since they are to resemble ancient people and traditions from
medieval Japan. Every Japanese citizen also appreciates kabuki and Noh theatres since the two
represent Japan's history.
The first noticeable difference between the two can is in the gender of actors. In Kabuki
theatre, all casts are male. Women were initially the pioneers of Kabuki before they were banned
from it and the roles entirely give to men. Unlike Kabuki, Noh performances include men and
women. Notably, Noh theatre was pioneered by men and only transitioned to include women
later in its development. Therefore, it is acted by both men and women. There is also a difference
in the costumes used in both. Masks are used in Noh performances while Kabuki actors paint
their faces instead of using masks. There is only one play in Kabuki known as a Natsume that
needs actors to use facemasks. Finally, Noh focuses on sharing stories through music while
Kabuki does the same through acting, dancing, and posing.
