Paper short abstract:

This paper looks at the socio-economic and artistic role of amateur practitioners in two contrasting environments: noh theatre and contemporary non-traditional theatre.

Paper long abstract:

Amateur practices are tightly connected with the activities of professionals, as well as with those of the general public. In non-traditional, contemporary theatre, amateurs tend to constitute groups independent from professionals, dedicated to creative writing and/or staging of plays. By contrast, noh amateurs are first and foremost students of noh professionals, who in turn teach them in exchange for financial support. Such amateurs display the results of their training in self-produced recitals organised by their teachers. While in various non-traditional, contemporary art fields amateurs contribute to the creative world of professionals, blurring the distinction between the two categories of practitioners, most noh amateurs do not embark on creative enterprises. In what ways do amateurs contribute to the professional world of noh? This paper will consider similarities and differences between different kinds of amateur practices, discussing the future role of amateurs in the world of noh.