Noh Japanese Masks


  • Like the dramatic tradition of comedy and tragedy in ancient Greece, the Japanese theater is divided into the comedic, called Kyogen, and the more serious, though not necessarily tragic, Noh plays.


    In traditional Noh plays, all roles were played by men in traditional Noh masks and costumes. Today, Noh plays are no longer a form of popular entertainment in Japan, but interest and appreciation for the genre endures, and both men and women study its conventions.

    Here, seventh graders made Noh inspired masks expressing a particular emotion.  They used color, lines, shapes, and positive and negative space to convey their feelings.