Lyric Dramas - Six Plays from Japan

Summary

Lyric Dramas - Six Plays from Japan Translated by Basil Hall Chamberlain   Presented by The Online Stage   These six plays are Japanese classics from the 14th century and are presented in the order of a traditional No programme. No, the Japanese word for "skill", is a form of Japanese musical drama that originated in the eighth century, and is the oldest major theatre art that still survives today. Alongside No plays were kyogen plays, which were short works typically inserted as a comedic interlude of sorts between the more classical No performances. The two types of plays are part of Nogaku theatre, which was inscribed in 2008 by UNESCO on the List of Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.   Four of the plays (Robe of Feathers, The Death-Stone, Life Is a Dream, Nakamitsu) are No plays selected from the Nou-No-Utahi. The remaining two (Ribs and Skin, Abstraction) are kyogen plays from the Nou Kiyau-Gen ("Comic Interludes of the Lyric Dramas", or literally rendered, "Folies Dramatiques").  1. Robe of Feathers - A Fisherman finds a beautiful robe of feathers on a pine tree, and discovers it belongs to a Fairy. 2. The Death Stone - A Priest decides to rest in the shadow of a stone after a long pilgrimage, when a Spirit emerges with a warning. 3. Ribs and Skin (kyogen) - A rector resigns the benefice of his duties to an idiotic curate. Hilarity ensues. 4. Life is a Dream - Rosei, a pilgrim, travels to Mount Yauhi, where he learns the Emperor has relinquished his throne in his favour. 5. Abstraction (kyogen) - A husband asks his servant to assist him in covering up an affair, as his wife has caught scent of his misdemeanours. Hilarity ensues. 6. Nakamitsu - Nakamitsu is ordered by Mitsunaka to kill Mitsunaka's untalented son, the young lord Bijiyau.    Featuring the voices of Leanne Yau, Alan Weyman, Andrew Colemen, Trisha Rose, Joseph Tabler, Russell Gold, and Tomas Peter.   Audio edited by Leanne Yau

Public Domain (P)2019 The Online Stage