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 * Among the Noh plays you have read, select one that appeals to you the most and discuss why you are drawn to it above all the other works. You may wish to refer to the video illustrations of the excerpts of the plays that we saw in class, as well as the scripts to compose your answer. **

Noh plays are so much different than any form of drama I have ever seen, so my understanding and ability to really enjoy the plays is immature and naïve. The Noh play that appeals to me most is Takasago. I chose Takasago because I enjoyed reading that one most, and being the first exposure I had to Noh. It also really helped to read that play as a class with different roles and a chorus. The story behind Takasago drew me in the most because it made me feel relaxed, while in other Noh plays like Sumida-Gawa I feel the tension of the relationship and even more tension with what will happen. Takasago was very straightforward, while having a deep historical background in Japanese culture. The relationship and history of the Takasago and Sumiyoshi pine is common knowledge to most. I really like the premise of and old couple embodying the spirits of these two pines because the relationship between two old people seems so innocent but knowledgeable. The lightheartedness and purity of their conversation with Tomonari is just enjoyable to read. The lack of any real drama in Takasago doesn’t take away from the play for me because of my immature and naïve understanding of Noh in general. The newness of Noh makes every play interesting in way. I am just drawn to Takasago because of its simple story and the lighthearted, warm feeling I have after reading it.

Sources: Dr. Farley Lectures Takasago Script []

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