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What is No drama?

No drama is the oldest form of traditional Japanese drama and dates back to A.D. 1383. It is rooted in the principles of Zen Buddhism, a religion that emphasizes meditation, discipline, and the transmission of truth from master to disciple. History and legend are the subjects of No plays, which are performed on a bare, wooden stage by masked male actors who act out the story with highly controlled movements. The drama is accompanied by a chorus that chants lines from the play. This art form was pioneered by the actor and dramatist Motokiyo Zeami (1363–1443) when he was twenty years old. Zeami had started acting when he was seven and went on to write more than half of the 250 No dramas that are still performed today.

Further Information: No Drama. [Online] Available www.bartleby.com/65/ze/ZeamiMot.html, October 23, 2000; No Drama. [Online] Available

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1. Pablo Picasso