The Structure of the Noh Stage

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Column

The main stage has four columns, the sumi-bashira, waki-bashira, shite-bashira, and fue-bashira. Since shite, who wears a mask, has extremely limited sight, these columns become important markers. Especially, the other name of sumi-bashira is "metsuke-bashira (marker column)" since shite uses it as a marker.

Kagami-ita (the back board)

The painting of a pine tree drawn on the back board is "oi-matsu (an old pine tree)," which is the eternal backdrop of a Noh stage. It is said that the model of this pine was "Yōgō no matsu (the pine of advent)," which actually exists at Kasuga Taisha Shrine in Nara. This backdrop does not change drama by drama; all the Noh dramas are performed with this pine-tree backdrop.

Jiutai-za and Ato-za

Jiutai-za (the seat for the group reciter) is located at the right side of the main stage. The back of the main stage is called ato-za, which is occupied by hayashi-kata (instruments players) and kōken (stage managers). Since the floor is boarded side to side, this place is also called "Yoko-ita."

Hashigakari (gangway bridge)

Hashigakari (the gangway bridge) extends from ato-za toward the left. The actors use this bridge not only as a walkway to the main stage but also for important scenes. Unlike the main stage, the gangway bridge is straight, thereby providing the appearance of depth to the audience. Hence, the shite can express the mental fabric of the character and the relationship between the character and the event taking place on the main stage, depending on where he stands on the gangway bridge.

Agemaku (curtain) and Kiritoguchi

The entrances to the stage are kiritoguchi, which is located at the right side of ato-za, and agemaku, which is the five-colored curtain, hung at the end of hashigakari (the gangway bridge). Agemaku is used as the entrance for shite, waki, tsure, waki-tsure, kyogen-kata, and hayashi-kata. Kiritoguchi is usually used by kōken (stage manager) of shite, kōken (stage manager) of hayashi-kata, and jiutai (group reciter)

Kagami-no-ma (anteroom for performers)

Behind the agemaku is kagami-no-ma, where shite fixes his costume and dons his mask, as well as where hayashi-kata (instrument players) make the last tune up of their instruments before the program. We can say that a Noh play starts when actors and players enter this space.

Kensho (Auditorium)

Auditoriums for enjoying Noh performances are called kensho. The best seats, located at the front of the main stage, are called "shōmen (the frontage)." The seats located at the left side of the main stage are called "waki shōmen (the side-frontage)," where the audience watches the performance from the side but can easily view the performance on the gangway. The fan-shaped space between shōmen and waki-shōmen is called "naka shōmen (middle-frontage)." Some old Noh theaters have the balcony; however, most of the auditorium of more modern Noh theaters have chairs. Many Noh theater auditoriums have a second floor.