The Deserted Crone Zeami Motokiyo Historically theater has

The Deserted Crone Zeami Motokiyo

Historically, theater has its roots in religion.

Does exploring life through literature lead to enlightenment… or a better understanding of ourselves?

Stylized Performance = not intended to be realistic

NOH MASKS

NOH THEATRE/THEATER • Square stage, little scenery

NOH THEATRE • Stylized masks and costumes associated with character types • Traditional Noh theatre includes all male actors • Music • Dance – movements slow and deliberate • Acting – line delivery is equally slow and deliberate with symbolic gestures a Noh audience would recognize as easily as the masks • Chorus – often represents the thoughts of the characters and provides background (remember this is not meant to be realistic) • Noh theatre is often regarded as not only a spiritual experience but an intellectual one as well. An audience cannot fully appreciate a Noh performance without

The spectacle of modern theater provides all the information an audience needs about time and place. When little scenery is used, playwrights rely on the dialogue to reveal time and place.

1. While Noh theatre offers a stylized performance, its themes are very real. What everyday conflicts and feelings does the story of the Old Woman address?

Lines 123 -147. page 525 • Family Conflict • Split Loyalties • Peer Pressure • Regret • Loss • Abandonment

The Deserted Crone Questions: Answer the following questions. For each question, provide two lines from the play that support your answer. 1. Why do you think the spirit of the old woman still clings to the real world? • The manner of her death • Her memories of viewing the moon with friends • Her appreciation of the beauty of nature 2. How would you describe the mood of the play? 3. What is the play suggesting about life (theme)? • About family? • About regrets? • About life after death?

So… does this play provide enlightenment? Does it help you understand your own existence?