Sunday we were back at the National Noh Theatre for two more plays – Ataka and Sesshoseki. Ataka was unusual, in respect to most of the other plays we've seen in that it is a “real-time” play in which something like dramatic action happens onstage in the course of the play.
This play was unusual in two other ways. First, instead of the usual one or two accompanying actors, this play features nine. They move together, and in the Noh costumes, which are quite angular and striking, they always make an interesting stage picture. Also, the part of the high-ranking official in this play is, as is most often the case, portrayed by a kokata. These boys, who begin training as a Noh actor at a young age, are called upon to play children, of course, but more often they take the part of a high-ranking official. From what I've been told, in this way, by using the young boys to fill the part of the high-ranking official, these characters can be included in the play without taking the risk of offending an official who might be attending a performance. The young boys in no way could be mistaken for an adult and therefore can safely play these parts. The boys are, I have to say it, adorable, and it think this is part of the pleasure for the audience. They are also quite well-rehearsed and professional.
In the play we saw Sunday, I think we all had some sympathy for the kid. His part required him to wear a rather large and ridiculous hat for one scene, and the hat had not been tied down correctly. It flew off his head four times. He was a trooper and kept right on going.
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