Unit 3, Lesson 2

To fully appreciate the depth of influence that Kyogen has on the Japanese culture one must grasp an understanding of the phrase. Kyogen simply put is a form of theater, and the word is defined as angry words" or "wild specious words"[1]. The actions within the plays are measured and as mentioned in one of the assigned videos, actors could follow the steps of others because the steps were marked from previous plays. Speech and purposed movement are a important theme in all of these play.

In contrast, I once visited a play and that was called "the Death of a Salesman" by Arthur Miller. I expected the usual stage with props, backdrops, and lights. I was surprised to see one man come out in the middle of everyone, and asked that we stand in a circle and then he came acted out the entire play using different audience members to complete the cast. The actor presented the play different from any I have ever seen before.

I do not think that freedom of expression is not a viable option in the art Kyogen. Ortolani states that “great importance is given to training and to the completion of this art." (22) Japanese actors study for years to prefect the art of Kyogen. Although American actors train for years, they are given freedom of how to portray themselves. Japanese actors, who study Kyogen, focus on the traditional and the re-training of the art and presenting that art exactly as it was decades previously.

My impression of Japan’s classical comic theatre has not changed because I have been aware of the importance of tradition and culture there. However, I did gain a greater appreciation of Japanese theatre and how it’s crossed over into Western countries.