ABSTRACT
The pit was divided into squares, built to accommodate four persons, but often holding more. The orchestra, composed of samisen (guitars) and tambourines, sat on a level with the stage, at one side. They kept up a musical accompaniment at all times in keeping with the action. A man clapped two large pieces of wood together to start each scene and to keep time with the movements of the actors in exciting moments. The prompter was in plain sight, holding a book, while the property man went about his business during the progress of the play, dressed in black, and was considered invisible.
