Paper short abstract:

This paper intends to enquire into the multiple nature of identity as it is created in nō. I will also consider theories of puppetry and material theatre as a way to parse the interaction between the human actor and the material reality of the mask.

Paper long abstract:

As is well known, masks are used in the nō theatre to portray (with a few exceptions) spirits of the dead or other such supernatural entities like gods or demons. The mask is thus a medium through which the actor is able to enter into the character of a being that is quite removed from the human world. At the same time, the audience sees not a human on stage but the spirit being manifested by the actor. This paper intends to enquire into the multiple nature of identity as it is created in nō. With reference to the work of Sakabe Megumi and others, I will examine the meaning of the word omote, the nō term for mask, which can mean more accurately "face" or even "front" or "surface." I will also consider theories of puppetry and material theatre as a way to parse the interaction between the human actor and the material reality of the mask as it is used as a kind of medium through which a supernatural character may be embodied in performance.