In nō plays, the senses of hearing and sight are closely interrelated. The plays often delve into the complexities of human connection and communication, especially in circumstances where physical presence is hindered. One recurring theme is the use of sound as a bridge between individuals who are separated by physical barriers, preventing them from meeting face-to-face. In these instances, characters often resort to sound to attract the attention of the distant person, even if their calls remain unheard. This creates a poignant sense of longing and unfulfilled connection. Conversely, characters who are blind hold a prominent role in nō performances. Whether they were born blind or lost their sight later in life, these characters epitomise the power of sound as a means of interaction with the world. In their state of visual isolation, they rely on auditory cues to engage with the external environment, fostering a connection through the act of listening and being heard, even before the exchange of sight occurs. Among the diverse range of nō plays, two pieces stand out for their exploration of sound and its emotional undercurrents: Kinuta and Aya no tsuzumi. These performances offer a unique lens through which to delve into the themes of resentment and the erosion of rationality, as sound becomes a conduit for these intense emotions. Furthermore, characters like Semimaru, Yorobōshi, and Kagekiyo each have their own stories that underscore the prevalent themes of loneliness and abandonment often associated with blindness. These characters draw attention to the societal stigma and dishonour that historically accompanied this impairment, evoking empathy and introspection in the audience. In summary, nō plays masterfully weave together the senses of hearing and sight to create narratives that explore human emotions, connections, and the nuances of communication. Through characters who rely on sound for connection and those who navigate the world without sight, these plays offer profound insights into the human experience and the power of sensory perception.
University of Naples L'Orientale, Italy
Titolo del capitolo
Suoni d’amore e tenebre di disonore. Suono e cecità nel teatro nō
Autori
Claudia Iazzetta
Lingua
Italian
DOI
10.36253/979-12-215-0422-4.16
Opera sottoposta a peer review
Anno di pubblicazione
2024
Copyright
© 2024 Author(s)
Licenza d'uso
Licenza dei metadati
Titolo del libro
Il dono dell’airone
Sottotitolo del libro
Scritti in onore di Ikuko Sagiyama
Curatori
Luca Capponcelli, Diego Cucinelli, Chiara Ghidini, Matilde Mastrangelo, Rolando Minuti
Opera sottoposta a peer review
Numero di pagine
390
Anno di pubblicazione
2024
Copyright
© 2024 Author(s)
Licenza d'uso
Licenza dei metadati
Editore
Firenze University Press
DOI
10.36253/979-12-215-0422-4
ISBN Print
979-12-215-0421-7
eISBN (pdf)
979-12-215-0422-4
Collana
Connessioni. Studies in Transcultural History
ISSN della collana
2975-0393
e-ISSN della collana
2975-0261