Atsumori

By Zeami Motokiyo
Noh Theatre

Traditional Japanese theatrical form

Noh derived from N, meaning skill
Unlike in western drama, Noh performers are
storytellers, not actors
 A picture is worth a
thousand words

A complex idea can

be conveyed with just
a single still image,
namely making it
possible to absorb
large amounts of data
quickly.
 Noh Theatre

Developed from ancient

forms of festival drama at
shrines and temples that
had emerged by the 12th or
13th century.
Became a
ceremoni
al drama
a prayer for
peace,
longevity
and the
prosperity
of the
social elite
a prayer for
peace,
longevity
and the
prosperity
of the
social elite
 Noh Theatre
Timeline of important events

Atsumori Collapse World War II

(end of 12th cent) of feudal system (1939 - 1945)
(1868)
3 Types of Noh plays
3 Types of Noh plays

Genzai Noh Mugen Noh Rykake Noh
features human nvolves supernatural though somewhat
characters and events worlds, featuring gods, uncommon, is a hybrid of
unfold according to a spirits, ghosts, or the above with the first act
linear timeline within the phantasms in the shite being Genzai Noh and the
play. role. Time is often second act Mugen Noh.
depicted as passing in a
non-linear fashion.
Frame for
the
movemen
t and the
music
A typical
Noh
program
has three
plays
Kygen
performed
as
interludes
Okina
performed
at the
beginning
3 Major roles in Noh plays
3 Major roles Noh
plays

, ,
Shite Waki Kygen
the main protagonist, or performs the role that is actors, one of whom is
the leading role in plays. the counterpart or foil of often involved in Noh
the shite. plays as a narrator.

Accompaniment is provided by an instrumental chorus (hayashi) of four musicians

Hayashi

Jiutai
Characters
 Priest Rensei
(Kumagai)

Once a Genji knight.

He changed his name
and denounced his
position when he killed
Atsumori in battle.
 Priest Sensei
(Kumagai)

Once a Genji knight.

He changed his name
and denounced his
position when he killed
Atsumori in battle.
 Priest Sensei Young Reaper
(Kumagai) (Atsumori)
Shite of the play.
Once a Genji knight. Disguised as a grass
He changed his name cutter without a mask,
and denounced his but really was a knight
position when he killed who roams the world as
Atsumori in battle. a troubled spirit. Turned
out to be the ghost of
Atsumori.
 His Companion
The Bamboo Flute

Was worn by Atsumori

when he died.
Plot Overview
Plot Overview
Tales of the Heike
Taira vs. Minamoto
Plot Overview
Tales of the Heike
Plot Overview
Atsumori
Thematic Analysis
Pacifism, Human Transformation & Reconciliation,
Transience and Impermanence
Pacifism

Atsumori makes peace

Violence turned into repentance within
Rensei
 There is my enemy, he cries
and would strike, But the other
is grown gentle and calling on
Buddhas name has obtained
salvation for his foe
Pacifism

Atsumori makes peace

Violence turned into repentance within
Rensei
Transience and Impermanence

The fate of the Taira clan

From rulers to villagers
Atsumoris self was gone in an instant
 Yet their prosperity lasted but for a
day; It was like the flower of the
convolvulus. There was none to tell
them that glory flashes like sparks
from flint-stone, and after --
darkness.
Oh wretched, the life of men!
Human Transformation & Reconciliation

Renseis change form warrior to priest

From killer to friend
Highlights ability for humans to adapt
 I have left my home and call
myself the priest Rensei; this I have
done because of my grief at the
death of Atsumori..
Human Transformation & Reconciliation

Renseis change form warrior to priest

From killer to friend
Highlights ability for humans to adapt
 No, Rensei is not my enemy.
Pray for me again, oh pray for me
again.