Dōjōji (Noh play)

Dōjōji (道成寺) is a celebrated and complex Noh play, belonging to the fifth group (kiri-Noh or final plays) and considered one of the most popular and highly regarded in the standard Noh repertoire. It is known for its dramatic intensity, evocative music, and demanding performance requirements.

Summary: The play tells the story of a beautiful woman who arrives at Dōjōji temple in search of a priest named Anchin. Years earlier, Anchin had refused her advances and fled across the Hidaka River to escape her. Consumed by unrequited passion and rage, the woman transforms into a giant serpent. Upon arriving at the temple, she discovers that Anchin is hiding beneath the temple bell. In her serpentine form, she coils herself around the bell and melts it, ultimately burning Anchin to death within.

Characters:

• Shite: The main character, initially appearing as a beautiful woman, later transforming into a serpent. Usually masked.
• Waki: A priest of Dōjōji temple.
• Kyōgen: Temple attendants (played by kyōgen actors), who act as a chorus and provide comic relief.
• Chorus: Narrates the story and provides commentary.

Themes:

• Unrequited Love and Obsession: The play explores the destructive power of unfulfilled desire and the consequences of unchecked passion.
• Transformation and Revenge: The metamorphosis of the woman into a serpent symbolizes her descent into madness and her determination to exact revenge.
• Religious Conflict: The play touches on the conflict between the sacred space of the temple and the intrusion of worldly desires and destructive emotions.
• Female Rage: Dōjōji is a powerful exploration of female anger and its potential to disrupt established societal order.

Notable Features:

• Dramatic Structure: The play unfolds in three distinct acts: the arrival of the woman, the discovery of Anchin's hiding place, and the climactic scene of destruction.
• Elaborate Costume and Mask: The shite's costume and mask are crucial to conveying the character's beauty, transformation, and inner turmoil. Different masks can be used to represent different stages of the character's transformation.
• Complex Musical Score: The music of Dōjōji is highly complex and varied, reflecting the dramatic shifts in the play's narrative.
• Bell Dance: The highlight of the play is the bell dance (kanemaki), performed by the shite with a representation of the temple bell. This dance is highly stylized and physically demanding, requiring great skill and stamina. The bell is a crucial prop, representing both Anchin's hiding place and the woman's destructive passion.

Significance:

Dōjōji is considered a masterpiece of Noh drama due to its compelling story, profound themes, and challenging performance requirements. Its enduring popularity reflects its ability to resonate with audiences across cultures and generations. It is frequently performed and studied as a prime example of the power and artistry of Noh theatre.