'SHU,
SHAKU, SHO'
Japanese
Nö Theatre
Based upon notions of Japanese Nö Theatre, 'Shu, Shaku, Sho' takes
several traditional stories (based around the 5 elements) and enacts
them in the highly ritualised from of Nö. Essentially the performers
have to strip back the actions and emotions of the stories in order
to express them in ritualised movements. Tough to do but very artistically
rewarding.
Chorus: Dancing with the wind, a Heron, a goddess of
the air, seeks to rest awhile in the cool shallows of the lake. She
stands amongst the low rushes – delicate and serene.
(The Heron stands as the Emperor and his Dignitaries begin their
chant)
Dignitaries: The mountains know peace, patiently reaching
into the holy places of the air.
Emperor: May I be as a mountain, reaching for higher
understanding.
Dignitaries: The clouds know peace, shifting from one
shape to another without thought for their transience.
Emperor: May I be as a cloud, accepting of change.
Dignitaries: The rivers know peace, playing over falls
until they combine in the ocean.
Emperor: May I be as a stream, leading myself and others
to fulfilment in the one.
Chorus: But there, in the small rushes, stands the
Heron. She inclines her head toward the Emperor. Together they stare,
creature of the earth and creature of the air. The earth speaks to the
air.
Emperor: Delicate Heron, I have come in order that
I may understand peace. Come and sit by my side and teach me the quiet
in your eyes.
Chorus: The Heron stirs…
