Question and Answer

 Do actors always change their costumes at the same moment?

If actors are to wear different costumes in the second half, they normally change clothes during the interval when they are off the stage behind the entrance curtain. Sometimes, however, changes of costume happen on stage. This is considered a kind of stage performance and called monogi (wearing clothes). There are several variations: actors may put on small items such as caps or head bands, or they may wear larger clothes such as jackets. Monogi is normally done upstage in front of the kōken, but sometimes it is performed on stage in particular plays, such as "Matsukaze".

While the kōken is in charge of dressing, actors may be assisted by their deputies and assistants when performing monogi onstage. Because monogi is performed in front of the audience with time and space limited, it should be done smoothly and with consideration for the atmosphere. Monogi is sometimes done without assistants. "Dōjōji" is one example, but it is very difficult because the leading actor changes his costume in the dark inside a large bell after a strenuous dance. Monogi is a skilled act that is woven into the progress of the story rather than interfering in it.

(Jan. 8, 2010)

Question 73 | Question 75

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• Question 154Who was the rival of Kan’ami and Zeami?
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• Question 149Was there a Noh stage in Edo Castle?
• Question 148Is it possible to learn Noh performance for personal interest?
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• Question 140Which performing arts has Noh influenced?
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• Question 79Is an ad lib a result of the performance?
• Question 78Is there a play in which the audience takes a part?
• Question 77Why do actors stand still for such a long time?
• Question 76What is the voice from behind the curtain?
• Question 75How many plays are performed?
• Question 74Do actors always change their costumes at the same moment?
• Question 73Why do musicians call out?
• Question 72What are the basic sounds of the small tabor?
• Question 71Is a drum always involved in the music?
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• Question 50Which side of the stage ranks higher, right or left?
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• Question 35Is there any special technique in making female masks?
• Question 34How do you operate the entrance curtain?
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• Question 29Is Takigi-noh performed even if it rains?
• Question 28What is Hakama-noh?
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• Question 23Do actors ever fall from the stage?
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• Question 19Is it true that Noh music does not have definite tonality?
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