狂言
Meanings
1
kyogen; comic interlude in Noh
Traditional comic theater performed between Noh plays or as an interlude; distinct from the modern figurative use.
A kyogen piece was performed during the interlude of the Noh play.
2
kabuki play; kabuki performance
Historical term for a kabuki play or performance; now largely replaced by 歌舞伎.
In the Edo period, the word 狂言 sometimes referred to kabuki performances.
3
Figurative use: a pretense or staged act, often with a negative connotation of deception.
His apology was just a sham.
The police announced that the incident was a hoax.
Usage patterns
- 狂言を演じるto perform a kyogen play
They perform a kyogen play on the Noh stage.
- 〈事〉を狂言に仕立てるto stage something as a sham/put-on
He staged a fake kidnapping to demand money.
- 〈場所〉で狂言を上演するto stage a kyogen performance at a venue
This theater stages kyogen performances every month.