Noh theater, or Nohgaku (能楽) is still being actively performed today with dedicated venues, academies and government support. Although it certainly is not the oldest form of theater per se, from generation to generation the precise continuation of performance skills, costumes, music and even the use of archaic Japanese has allowed Noh to remain close to its earliest forms. Whereas older Western forms such as Greek and Roman theater have changed and adapted over time to suit modern productions and contemporary languages. Therefore Noh's strict adherence to its earliest traditions is why it has been called the oldest surviving or extant form of major theater art.
Performed since the 14th century, Nohgaku is a highly minimal and disciplined practice which very few people today can boast to fully understand. Known for its use of masks or 'nohmen', Noh plays involve supernatural elements and Buddhist philosophies. Characterised by its distinctive masks called nohmen representing spiritual, godly and demonic characters. This also one of the major distinctions from the more popular Kabuki theatre. Noh over the years became more structured, monotonous and supernatural compared to other forms of theatre. In 2001, Noh was named a "Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity" by UNESCO, with many of its few star performers recognised as Japan's "Intangible Cultural Assets". Master Actor Michishige Udaka 宇高通成 is one such person. A practitioner of Noh for over 60 years, he is a Master performer who also carves his own masks - the only person to do so today. Like many forms of traditional arts & crafts, the uptake of Noh in Japan is declining. The once insular and private world of Noh has now been brought beyond its borders and blossomed in part thanks to Mr. Udaka’s establishment of the International Noh Institute in 1986. But what of its future in modern day Japan?
This film is a deep dive into the esoteric world of Noh and follows Mr. Udaka as he prepares for an upcoming performance.
National Geographic Short Film Showcase
The Atlantic Selects Showcase
Japan Web Fest Best Short Documentary nomination 2021
Berlin Short Film Festival Official Selection 2021
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In March 2020, Mr Michishige Udaka passed away. I'm always grateful he let me into his life and allowed me to make this film. I hope this can honour his memory. RIP.
He is succeeded by his three children: Noh actors Tatsushige & Norishige, and mask maker Keiko.
Special Thanks to:
Michishige Udaka, Haruna Udaka, Tatsushige Udaka, Agnes Bun, Julien Banos
Additional images:
Hanabusa Itchō, Japanese, 1652 - 1724
'Scenes from Comic Plays' (detail),
Handscroll, one of a pair; Ink, color, and gofun on paper
Minneapolis Institute of Art, Bequest of Richard P. Gale 74.1.15.2
Photo: Minneapolis Institute of Art
Other films from the series:
'The Art of Imono': • THE ART OF IMONO - Jap...
'Wasabia Japonica': • 'Wasabia Japonica' - A...
'The Reluctant Master': • ‘The Reluctant Master’...
'The Scent of Sakai': • 'The Scent of Sakai' 堺...
'The Art of Musk Melon': • ‘The Art of Musk Melon...
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Music: 'Final Preparations' & ‘Bonsai Forest’ by Shin Suzuma (Licensed from Premium Beat)
‘Unrelenting’ by David Molina (Licensed from The Music Bed)
‘Slow Contemplation’ by Tiny Music (Licensed from Premium Beat)
Gear: Sony FS7, Edelkrone Motion Kit, Ikan Pivot, Zeiss 16-70, Aputure M9
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'The Japanese Artisan Series' is a non-commercial project by Edwin Lee (Hong Kong) in collaboration with One Ocean Partners (Singapore). It focuses on documenting little-known but highly skilled artisans and tradespeople across Japan centering on themes of tradition and succession. With Japan's ageing population, low birth rate and reluctance of young workers to enter such niche industries, these people's traditional skills are in danger of being lost.