Architecture

The architectural composition of a traditional Japanese Noh theatre. The stage is typically constructed from hinoki (Japanese cypress). Originally, noh was played in open fields. When a theatre is recreated inside a building, it’s designed complete with details such as a roof, bridge with a handrail and a pine tree painted on the back wall. The complete noh stage is comprised of the hon-butai (main playing area), hashigakari (bridgeway), ato-za (seating section for musicians and stage attendants) and the jiutai-za (seating section for the chorus). The main playing area is 5.4m per side. At the back of the stage is the kagami-ita (back panel, usually displaying a painted pine tree). In the front of the stage is the kizahashi (decorative staircase). Coming off the left side of the stage is the hashigakari (bridgeway). At the end of the hashigakari is the agemaku (curtain) which marks the entrance to the backstage area. 📸: @joannakawecki