An intercultural lens on the Japanese Noh Theater Play Takasago

Abstract

This paper examines Filipino and Japanese participants’ perceptions of a publicly available, pre-recorded performance of the Noh play, Takasago. These perceptions are made from the point of view of aural, visual, kinesthetic, and linguistic elements of performance, referred to as semiotic clusters (SC). Comparative data drawn from both the Philippines and Japan, which reveal connective threads and commonalities are presented. Self-reflexive observations by Filipinos on their own performing arts traditions are also shared in the paper.
Findings are based on a reduced research framework of the project Linking Japan to the World through the Performing Arts: Collaborative Ethnography and Intercultural Exchange (JSPS 20K01193), which commenced just before the outbreak of COVID-19.This originally intended breadth of research is outlined, andthe paper addresses the disruption because of the pandemic,reporting on those tangible achievements that could be madegiven the circumstances.