Kyōgen

Kyōgen (狂言, Japanese pronunciation: [kʲoː.ɡeꜜɴ, -ŋeꜜɴ]) is a form of traditional Japanese comic theater. It developed alongside Noh, was performed along with Noh as an intermission of sorts between Noh acts on the same stage, and retains close links to Noh in the modern day; therefore, it is sometimes designated Noh-kyōgen. Its contents are nevertheless not at all similar to the formal, symbolic, and solemn Noh theater; kyōgen is a comic form, and its primary goal is to make its audience laugh.

Kyōgen together with Noh is part of Nōgaku theatre.

Kyōgen is sometimes compared to the Italian comic form of commedia dell'arte, which developed in the early 17th century, and likewise features stock characters. It also has parallels with the Greek satyr play, a short, comical play performed between tragedies.