Online dictionary of history and traditions in Japan: Sarugaku

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French version

Sarugaku

猿楽
alternative words: Saru gaku
keywords: china , theater
related topics: Noh , Kyogen , Kamakura period , Muromachi period
explanation: Attraction frequently played during the middle ages in Japan. Initially called "Sangaku", it came from China during Nara period and included acrobatics, juggling, conjuring, and pantomime. It had then merged with a rural Japanese play "Dengaku" and evolved to more abstract drama while giving up acrobatic elements during Kamakura and Muromachi periods. The music based serious part became "Noh" while the speech based funny part, "Kyogen" at the end of Muromachi period.