Kyogen is a form of traditional Japanese theater that developed as a sort of intermission and comic relief between the solemn noh acts. The kyogen is very short, so costumes, masks, and props are simple and minimal. There are usually only two or three roles, always played by male actors, of which Nomura Mansai is one of the most famous. He has also directed several productions, including a 2007 production of Richard III by the Suzuki Company of Toga. In kyogen the acting is exaggerated, featuring slapstick and satire, and although the performance is accompanied by the music of flute, drums, and gongs, the main emphasis is on the dialogue and action rather than the music or dance. (Ai-kyogen refers to noh interludes).
Sources Cited:
Wikipedia
Productions:
Kuni Nusubito (Country Stealer), Richard III, 2007, Suzuki Company of Toga, dir. Schoichiro Kawai and Mansai Nomura
The Braggart Samurai, The Merry Wives of Windsor, 1991, dir. Mansai Nomura
