Women in Noh Theater

Newsweek had a great article about the changing face of Noh theater in Japan. Like kabuki, the actors are traditionally men only - even so far as some Noh actors claiming, "if women are in Noh, it's not Noh theater."

What was surprising to me, was that the practice of Noh by registered professionals is genealogical, with actors beginning as early as age 4. There are over 30 to 50 "patrilineal family troupes" that compose five Japanese schools for Noh theater. There are currently 1,200 registered male and 200 registered female professionals.

Why the trend? The article says that many male performers are opting for office jobs that are more stable given the current economy. Noh theater has seen this trend in the past during economic crises and social. "During the Edo period (1600–1868), when Noh flourished with the support of the Tokugawa shogunate, women were banned from publicly performing Noh as part of a government crackdown on individual freedom and morality. But during the Meiji Restoration in the late 1800s, when Noh actors were stripped of their patronage, women returned to the stage. Finally, in 1948—newly defeated in World War II and reeling from Western pressures—Japan allowed its first officially recognized professional woman Noh actor, Kimiko Tsumura."

Regardless of what side of tradition you may rest on, you have to agree that this is an exciting time to see this much attention drawn to traditional Japanese performing arts. In many ways, this could ensure the sustained popularity of Japan's oldest performing art.