EXTRAD, Japanese Noh & Kyōgen Theatre – Public Performance – UNITYFest

Experience the timeless traditions of Japanese Noh and Kyōgen theater with EXTRAD, a renowned performance company blending classical artistry with modern storytelling. Presented in partnership with Carver Community Cultural Center, this captivating performance showcases the elegance, humor, and rich history of these centuries-old art forms. Through stylized movement, masks, and music, audiences will gain a deeper appreciation for Japanese culture and the universal power of performance. More about EXTRAD: https://www.csshg.com/noh-extrad Doors open at 6 PM. This event is part of the 2026 UNITYFest music festival. Photos Courtesy of the Artists Noh and Kyōgen are Japanese traditional performing arts that have a long history. They are performed on the same stage and are collectively referred to as “Nohgaku.” Noh and Kyōgen have had various influences on Bunraku and Kabuki as well as opera and contemporary theatre. Noh: Song and dance performed wearing masks Noh is a form of theatre based on song and dance performed by actors wearing masks and beautiful costumes. The story unfolds through spoken word and dance arranged to musical elements. The elements include instrumental music featuring a flute and percussion instruments, as well as vocal music called utai (chanting) in which words are set to a tune. The acting and staging are one of the most refined, and profound meaning is embodied in the slight movements of the actors. Another distinct element of Noh is that the main character is often not a real person, playing roles such as ghosts and spirits.   Kyōgen: Spoken comedy revolving around conversations Kyōgen is a theatrical performance in which the story unfolds through human conversations. It draws on the daily events of the period in which the plays are set, with many of the characters being archetypal characters one would find anywhere. Based on satire and comedy, Kyōgen amusingly depicts strong-willed ordinary people by typifying characters and exaggerating their gestures. Its repertoire is diverse, and may include music and dance. Learn more about Noh & Kyogen theatre on EXTRAD’s website: https://www.csshg.com/noh-extrad Shite– The principal actor in a Noh or Kyōgen play. The shite typically portrays the central character, such as a spirit, deity, warrior, or trickster. In Noh, the shite may appear in two forms: the “mae-shite” (initial appearance) and the “nochishite” (later, often in a transformed or revealed form).   Waki– The secondary actor, often a traveling priest, official, or observer, who meets and interacts with the shite. The waki helps frame the narrative and serves as a kind of bridge between the audience and the shite’s world.   Ado – Supporting actor, particularly in Kyōgen plays. The ado interacts with the shite and often plays a comic or common-sense role, such as a villager, servant, or landowner. In Noh, the ai-kyōgen (interlude actor) may also appear to explain the story during transitions, typically in a m...