Written in November 2010 Wrote this for a course I took on Japanese theater in-depth analysis of Noh styles and construction using a specific, unique play.

With the Heart of a Human: An Analysis of the Nue as the Shite

Zeami’s works are characterized by a fine lyrical sensibility, and the Noh play Nue is no exception.What is unusual, however, is that it is spoken through the mouth of a demon, the nue monster that gives the play its name. By altering the perspective and narration of the original text found in the Tale of the Heike for his Noh play adaptation Nue, Zeami effectively sets the audience up to be sympathetic toward the nue creature and allows for its emotions to become the central focus of the play. This creates a very memorable character out of the nue, which despite being a demon exhibits a certain humanness, allowing the audience to connect and empathize with the nue. Continue reading PAPER: With the Heart of a Human →