Although Noh is a classic stage art, of which Japan is proud, only a handful of the Japanese have actually visited a Noh theater and appreciated Noh programs. Therefore, The-Noh.com answers questions that surprise and enchant Noh beginners who have not yet familiar with the Noh world.

 Is the gangway bridge the same as the runway of Kabuki?

Kabuki is a new form of stage art originating in Noh; therefore some theories say that the runway of Kabuki is a transformation of the gangway bridge of Noh. This extended part of the stage plays a unique role, which is not found in the Western-style stage.
Also, the Noh stage is not equipped with a drop curtain like the Western-style stage; performers enter the stage from behind the agemaku (curtain) hung at the end of the gangway bridge. The drama starts when the musicians enter the stage prior to the actors. For reference's sake, the stage of Kabuki is equipped with a Western-style drop curtain as well as a curtain at the entrance of the runway.

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