Kabuki

Kabuki (歌舞伎) is a classical Japanese play beginning in the Edo Period, about 400 years ago. It is regarded as one of Japans three major traditional plays along with Noh (能) and Bunraku (文楽). In fact, Kabuki was chosen as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2009. That’s why I should introduce this important Japan’s culture. The actors put glittering costumes and eccentric wigs on and stand out through bizarre make-up. The highlight of kabuki is the exaggerated actions performed by the actors. Kabuki’s contents are usually based on historical events, sympathetic dramas, love stories and common people’s lives. Interestingly, only a part of a whole story (usually the best part) is performed in one show. Therefore, Kabuki fans read a little about the story to get ready to understand fully before heading for the play. Some theatres allow buying headsets with English narrations and description. Women used to be allowed to perform in kabuki. However, Tokugawa shogunate prohibited women to play, and until today it has been performed only by men. So some male actors play female role by making-up well - called onnagata (女形).

There are dynamic stage sets, such as revolving platforms and trapdoors, helping actors appear/disappear when changing a scene. Another uniqueness of the kabuki stage is a footbridge, called hanamichi (花道) enabling them to reach the audience, which allows dramatic entrances or exits. Also, live music performed using traditional instruments like syamisen (三味線) makes peculiar atmosphere. Currently, there are several kabuki theatres in Japan, including Tokyo, Kyoto and Fukuoka. Each day’s performance usually has two or three segments (one in the early afternoon and one towards the evening), and each segment is further separated into acts. Depending on the seat position, the price of ticket varies and at the highest, the ticket can be about $300. 

For more hot information on the hilarious demeanor that is Kabuki, check out these links:

• http://www.unmissabletokyo.com/kabuki-za
• http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2090.html