The devastating earthquake of 1923 in Japan, known as the Great Kantō earthquake, irrevocably altered the landscape and the lives of its inhabitants. Countless homes were reduced to rubble, and the ensuing fires claimed thousands of lives. This cataclysmic event profoundly impacted Japanese art and culture, particularly in the realms of painting and theatre. Initially, depictions of the disaster in paintings were stark and realistic, often showcasing the destruction and human suffering with unflinching detail. Artists like Kobayashi Kiyochika, known for his woodblock prints documenting everyday life, shifted their focus to portraying the immediate aftermath, capturing the chaos and despair with a raw honesty. These images served as a visual record, a testament to the scale of the tragedy. However, as time progressed, the artistic response evolved. While the memory of the earthquake remained a potent force, the style of representation changed. Noh theatre, with its stylized movements and masked performers, offered a unique lens through which to explore themes of loss, resilience, and the ephemeral nature of existence. Plays began incorporating elements of the earthquake, though rarely directly, often using allegorical figures and symbolic imagery to address the trauma in a more indirect, emotionally nuanced manner. Kabuki theatre, with its flamboyant costumes and dynamic storytelling, presented a contrasting approach. While not directly depicting the disaster, the performances often incorporated elements of heightened drama and spectacle, providing an outlet for catharsis and collective processing of the shared experience of trauma. The vibrant colors and energetic movements served as a counterpoint to the devastation, offering a sense of hope and continuity in the face of unimaginable loss. This divergence in artistic response reflects the complex relationship between art and memory. The immediate aftermath demanded a raw, realistic portrayal; later, the need for emotional processing and a sustained sense of cultural continuity shaped the artistic expressions, leading to a more metaphorical and symbolic language. The enduring impact of the Great Kantō earthquake demonstrates how art can grapple with the profound effects of natural disasters, providing both a chronicle of events and a pathway towards healing and cultural preservation.
1. According to the passage, how did the artistic response to the Great Kantō earthquake evolve over time?
2. What role did Noh theatre play in the artistic response to the earthquake?
3. How did Kabuki theatre's response differ from that of Noh theatre?
4. What is the central idea of the passage regarding the relationship between art and memory in response to the earthquake?