Zeami's words
Part 1
“Don’t forget your beginnings(Do not forget the basics.)'
(From Zeami's "Kakyo" and "Fūshikaden," Chapter 7, "Separate Oral Transmission")
Zeami didn't say "Don't forget the fresh emotions you felt today" as a speech for weddings or company entrance ceremonies. He meant that you should keep even the immature performances of your beginners as a reference point for measuring the progress of your training.
When you overcome one initial challenge, it's like encountering that initial challenge again at a new point in time.
Ultimately, every day is a continuous series of new beginnings. And at the end, the extremely difficult new beginnings of old age await us.
It is the endless accumulation of beginner's spirit that leads to the limitless possibilities of art.
When you overcome one initial challenge, it's like encountering that initial challenge again at a new point in time.
Ultimately, every day is a continuous series of new beginnings. And at the end, the extremely difficult new beginnings of old age await us.
It is the endless accumulation of beginner's spirit that leads to the limitless possibilities of art.
Part 2
"Secrecy is what makes something beautiful; without secrecy, it cannot be beautiful."(Section 7, "Separate Oral Tradition")
"Secrecy is the essence of beauty." Masaaki Tachihara, a man of letters who devoted himself to Noh theater throughout his life, used this phrase by Zeami as the title of his essay collection.
"Flowers" represent the aesthetics and way of finding charm that Zeami pursued throughout his life.
The appeal of flowers lies in their intrigue, and that is equivalent to their rarity.
The importance of letting things rest. Understanding the timing with the audience.
In this modern age, far from keeping secrets, everything is revealed without shame; it's an instant age where there's no time to wait.
How does pursuing only thrills transform a person's appeal?
Noh theater attempts to convey beauty by being reserved and concealing certain aspects of expression.
The keen interest from today's younger generation, or from overseas, might be a phenomenon where the pendulum of "expressive culture," having reached a dead end, is swinging towards Noh theater.
"Secrecy is what makes something beautiful; without secrecy, it cannot be beautiful."(Section 7, "Separate Oral Tradition")
"Secrecy is the essence of beauty." Masaaki Tachihara, a man of letters who devoted himself to Noh theater throughout his life, used this phrase by Zeami as the title of his essay collection.
"Flowers" represent the aesthetics and way of finding charm that Zeami pursued throughout his life.
The appeal of flowers lies in their intrigue, and that is equivalent to their rarity.
The importance of letting things rest. Understanding the timing with the audience.
In this modern age, far from keeping secrets, everything is revealed without shame; it's an instant age where there's no time to wait.
How does pursuing only thrills transform a person's appeal?
Noh theater attempts to convey beauty by being reserved and concealing certain aspects of expression.
The keen interest from today's younger generation, or from overseas, might be a phenomenon where the pendulum of "expressive culture," having reached a dead end, is swinging towards Noh theater.
Part 3
"The view from a distance"(Riken no Ken) (Zeami, "Kakyo")
Actors on stage cannot see themselves.
Especially your back view. See from a distance, that is, place your mind's eye where every viewer's eyes would be, and perfect your dance form.
This is exactly the same idea as checking things using a monitor TV.
Isn't Zeami's thinking remarkably modern?
If one can attain a detached perspective in life, then they are truly a "master of life."
(The above is from "An Introduction to Kanze-ryu Noh" by Masazo Masuda, Professor Emeritus of Musashino University (published by the Kanze family)).
"The view from a distance"(Riken no Ken) (Zeami, "Kakyo")
Actors on stage cannot see themselves.
Especially your back view. See from a distance, that is, place your mind's eye where every viewer's eyes would be, and perfect your dance form.
This is exactly the same idea as checking things using a monitor TV.
Isn't Zeami's thinking remarkably modern?
If one can attain a detached perspective in life, then they are truly a "master of life."
(The above is from "An Introduction to Kanze-ryu Noh" by Masazo Masuda, Professor Emeritus of Musashino University (published by the Kanze family)).
Part 4
"Train hard,Emotional awareness"Do not do as you please." (Fushikaden "Preface")
You must be thoroughly strong during training, and there should be no stubbornness or obstinacy that comes from complacency.
Part 5
"The skilled serve as an example for the unskilled, and the unskilled serve as an example for the skilled." (Third “Question and Answer Articles”)
The reason why a skilled performer doesn't imitate the skills of a less skilled performer isintelligenceTherefore, it is important to accept that "poor performance is a model for skill" and strive to perfect one's art and ingenuity.
This probably applies not only to Noh actors, but to any profession.
*Emotional awareness... refers to stubbornness and obstinacy caused by arrogance.
"Train hard,Emotional awareness"Do not do as you please." (Fushikaden "Preface")
You must be thoroughly strong during training, and there should be no stubbornness or obstinacy that comes from complacency.
Part 5
"The skilled serve as an example for the unskilled, and the unskilled serve as an example for the skilled." (Third “Question and Answer Articles”)
The reason why a skilled performer doesn't imitate the skills of a less skilled performer isintelligenceTherefore, it is important to accept that "poor performance is a model for skill" and strive to perfect one's art and ingenuity.
This probably applies not only to Noh actors, but to any profession.
*Emotional awareness... refers to stubbornness and obstinacy caused by arrogance.
Part 6
"A house is not a house in itself; it is the act of inheriting that makes it a house."
"A person is not a person; only those who know are considered people."(Section 7, "Separate Oral Tradition")
"A house is not a house in itself; it is the act of inheriting that makes it a house."
"A person is not a person; only those who know are considered people."(Section 7, "Separate Oral Tradition")
"A house is not a house simply because it continues; it is a house because it has something to be passed down. A person is not a person of a house simply because they were born there. Only those who understand what that house must protect can be called a person of that house."
"Life has an end, but there should be no end to Noh."
(Zeami “Flower Mirror”)
