⁠Brochure for the Noh play "Lady Aoi"

能楽の演奏「葵上」のコンセプト・ブック

Explanatory brochure for a classical Noh theater play. Noh (also Nô, or No) is a major form of Japanese theatre art that developed in the fourteenth century. Originating from various religious and folk performance forms, Noh developed over the years into a highly stylized art. Noh plays are performed by a troupe of actors who combine song, dance, and acting, supported by a chorus and musicians. Actors wear very elaborate, shimmering silk costumes along with wigs, hats, and props such as the fan. With their striking colors, elaborate textures, and intricate weaving, often embellished with lush embroidery making extensive use of gold and silver thread, these costumes are among the most lavishly decorated Japanese textiles.

With a strong emphasis on tradition rather than innovation, Noh is extremely codified and regulated, which can often make this theater form seem rather esoteric to a foreign audience. This brochure was therefore needed to provide the audience with needed background information and help the viewers better grasp what was happening on stage.

The design was articulated around a simple two column page layout to fit a maximum of information on a single page while custom illustrations provide visual clues explaining the various stages of the play. In order to allow the audience to focus on the stage and the actions of the many colorful actors, I decided to design the brochure in black and white to provide contrast and eye relief to the audience. The icons used to provide visual anchors are all derived from visual elements linked to the play such as the Aoi leaf (Asarum caulescens) which is also represented on the cover wrap-around next to the name of the play “葵上, Aoi no ue” in classical cursive script.

⁠—CLIENT ⁠—

UBC Asian Studies, Vancouver, CANADA.

⁠—CREDITS ⁠—

Julien Butterlin

⁠—ROLE —

Illustration and Graphic Design