The coronavirus crisis has prompted changes to be made to the long-standing format of noh classical theater in upcoming Tokyo performances as part of safety measures.
The exceptional move will involve actors observing social distancing during performances to prevent the spread of infections, among other measures.
Jointly organized by the Nohgaku Performers' Association and Nihon Nohgaku Kai, "Nohgaku Koen 2020" will run for 10 days from July 27 to 31 and from Aug. 3 to 7 at the National Noh Theatre in Tokyo's Shibuya Ward.
Initially planned to coincide with the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics, the large-scale project has been five years in the making.
Even though the decision was made to postpone the Games, organizers are eager to stage the project.
Objections have been voiced about breaking with a theater tradition in which every detail is meticulously structured, but organizers decided to go ahead as planned, devoting the event to efforts to contain the virus.
The heads of each noh school will be among other leading cultural figures that will attend the performances.
While the plays will feature the standard roster of noh performers, including main actors, performing cast members and a chorus, virus safety measures will include reducing the number of chorus members from two banks of four to one row of five; positioning the musicians further apart; and reducing the number of actors providing it does not impact the play, as well as having them leave the stage after finishing their lines.
Kanze Tetsunojo, 63, president of the Nohgaku Performers' Association, said, "While the threat remains, we want to do whatever we can to reduce the risk of infections spreading."
"It's the first time since the Edo period [1603-1867] that the chorus has appeared in a single row," said Mikio Takemoto, a noh researcher and professor emeritus at Waseda University. "Renditions of noh performances have changed over time. That changes are made when necessary reflects the depth of the tradition."
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