− | The ''hôka'' was a type of male entertainer, prevalent chiefly in the [[Muromachi period]], and chiefly associated with juggling, acrobatics, and sleight-of-hand. Many ''hôka'' dressed as Buddhist monks, and came to be seen as semi- or pseudo-religious figures. ''Hôka'' are cited by [[Zeami]] in his ''[[Sando|Sandô]]'' ([[1423]]) as one of four types of ideal characters for ''shite'' roles; Zeami suggests that since the ''hôka'' are performers to begin with, a [[Noh]] actor portraying a ''hôka'' entertainer will have an easier time of conveying an artistic quality through that character. | + | The ''hôka'' was a type of male entertainer, prevalent chiefly in the [[Muromachi period]], and chiefly associated with juggling, acrobatics, and sleight-of-hand; ''hôka'' also often sang and danced, accompanying themselves with wooden clappers or rhythm sticks called ''kokiriko'' or ''sasara''. Many ''hôka'' dressed as Buddhist monks, and came to be seen as semi- or pseudo-religious figures. ''Hôka'' are cited by [[Zeami]] in his ''[[Sando|Sandô]]'' ([[1423]]) as one of four types of ideal characters for ''shite'' roles; Zeami suggests that since the ''hôka'' are performers to begin with, a [[Noh]] actor portraying a ''hôka'' entertainer will have an easier time of conveying an artistic quality through that character. |
| *Shelley Fenno Quinn, ''Developing Zeami'', University of Hawaii Press (2005), 123-124. | | *Shelley Fenno Quinn, ''Developing Zeami'', University of Hawaii Press (2005), 123-124. |