Paper short abstract:

Classical Japanese theatre, particularly Noh, reflects seriousness and tragic motifs. However, an exception is the effusive laughter found in Kyogen. Humour is a therapy engaged for improving quality of life. Kyogen and its therapeutic role in post war Japan is the focus of this paper.

Paper long abstract:

Classical Japanese theatre, particularly Noh, is characterized by facial expressions, stage business and movement that reflect seriousness, philosophical and religious postures as well as tragic motifs which portray the intended tone and the mood of sobriety in the theatrical form. In sharp contrast to this theatrical tradition is the effusive laughter found in Kyogen, a form that was traditionally played as an extra-plotal scene interspersing Noh drama or by comic characters within the same tradition. Whereas Noh is played with a 'stone face', actors of Kyogen master comic gestures and exaggerated facial expressions to promote humour and laughter. Humour, and the virtues of humour have been extolled and documented by medical and scientific communities and it is therefore engaged as a means of decreasing stress, improving the quality of life of individuals as well as a way of diminishing psychological and physical pain. This paper examines the significance of Kyogen and its therapeutic role to individuals and societies in post war Japan. Humour in Kyogen and its ability to evoke laughter inform the adoption of the form in Japan to enable its nationals rebuild aspects of Japanese life. Kyogen gave a new outlook to life after the shock of the atomic bombs detonated in Hiroshima and Nagasaki thereby functioning as a post war therapy. This study examines Atsumori, Busu, Funa Benkei, and Kagyu as symbolic plays among the Kyogen repertoire. This is premised upon the continued influence of Kyogen in the 21st century and how it has evolved from being a part of Noh to an independent performance appealing more to the younger audiences and actors who do not only perform from the classical repertoire but engage adaptations from world literature, science fiction and who are constantly extending Kyogen frontiers to accommodate Kyogen comic books, colour books and puppets.