Plays are an important form of entertainment in most countries. Two kinds of drama unique to Japan are Noh and Kabuki. Music is used in both types of drama. Originally, men performed both men's and women's parts in Noh and Kabuki plays. But the similarities end there.
Kabuki costumes are fancy, bright, and heavy. Real gold is used on them. On the other hand, Noh costumes are quite simple. Kabuki stages are huge. The stage sets are elaborate. Noh stages are only 18 feet (5.4 meters) square. The only scenery used is background wall with a tree painted on it. A scene changes when the Noh actors change their places. The audience must use a lot of imaginations.
Noh plays started in the fourteenth century to entertain the upper class. The form of the play has not changed much since that time. All parts of a Noh play must follow a certain set of rules. To a person unfamiliar with Noh drama, a Noh actor may look as if he is sleepwalking. The action of the play is slow. Every movement is controlled. Certain actions stand for certain things. For example, a few steps forward mean the end of a journey. An important part of a Noh play is the chorus that chants much of the story.
Kabuki plays were developed in the seventeenth century for the common people. Theatre was the main amusement of the merchants of that time. Kabuki plays give a clear picture of those merchants' tastes and ideas. The colorful costumes reflect their gay moods. The heroes are often warriors who perform daring feats. The players wear thick makeup. They exaggerate their movements and facial expressions to communicate feeling.
Music is very important to Kabuki plays, Kabuki actors sing, dance, and speak their lines while the music is played in the background. The music may sound strange at first, but it makes the action on the stage more exciting. Musicians play instruments such as flutes, drums, and gongs. They also use the samisen, a three-stringed instrument shaped somewhat like a banjo. Another instrument has two small blocks of wood that are banged on the floor.
1.What do Noh and Kabuki share in common?
2.Which statement is true about the Kabuki plays?
3.One of the differences between Noh and Kabuki plays is that （ ）.
4.Kabuki plays can inform us about （ ）.
5.What musical instruments are used in Kabuki plays?
