These are assistants who sit at the back of the Noh stage, clearly visible to spectators, who handle props, straighten costumes or prompt actors.

This is the main character or “the doer” in a Noh play.

In Kabuki theatre, this is a moment of high drama where an actor flaunts their style, creating a picture of extreme emotion.

This is a Japanese theatre tradition presented in a combination of extremely exaggerated song, dance, and skill.

This is the female character (played by a male actor) in a Kabuki play.

A Chinese philosophy that influenced Noh theatre, centered around the idea that release from earthy attachment is necessary for a soul to rest.

In Noh theatre, this hand prop can be a sword, a cooking ladle, the sun, the moon, the wind, the rain… anything except what it actually is.

This is a short comic play meant to be an interlude between the much more serious and contemplative Noh plays.

This is an ancient Japanese religion that influenced Noh theatre, which emphasizes the human spirit’s connection to nature.

This is an actual bridge running right through the audience to the main stage of a Kabuki theatre.

This is the oldest Japanese theatre tradition, which is performed on an asymmetrical stage.

This is “the listener” or side-man in a Noh play.