What freedom does a noh actor have within the constraints of the tradition?

The strictly defined codes of traditional Asian performance, such as noh, do not necessarily hinder the actor's freedom and creativity. Asian performers feel that the constraints of tradition that guide their performances actually liberate them artistically. Kata, the set movement patterns of noh are a source of creativity for the actor. Each actor executes the kata in a different way, and it is up to the actor to express the kata in a way that deepens the audience's understanding of the story. The actors also make interpretive statements about their characters through choices in costuming. The appropriate style of kimono for a role might be prescribed, but a performer will decide on a particular design or pattern for the garment, perhaps one with cranes or fall-colored leaves, to reveal his view of the play.