Kabuki
History and Origins
Kabuki (歌舞伎) is a traditional form of Japanese theater that originated in the early Edo period. It is characterized by its stylized drama and the elaborate make-up worn by its performers. The term "kabuki" is believed to derive from the verb "kabuku," meaning "to lean" or "to be out of the ordinary," and thus can be interpreted as "avant-garde" or "bizarre" theatre.
Kabuki was founded by a woman named Izumo no Okuni in 1603. Okuni was a miko (shrine maiden) who began performing a new style of dance drama in the dry riverbeds of Kyoto. Her performances were highly popular and led to the development of a new form of theater. Initially, both men and women performed in kabuki plays, but in 1629, the Tokugawa shogunate banned women from performing on stage, leading to the rise of onnagata, male actors who specialized in female roles.
Elements of Kabuki
Performance Style
Kabuki is known for its highly stylized performance, which includes exaggerated movements, vocalizations, and facial expressions. The actors use a variety of techniques to convey emotions and actions, including mie, a pose struck by the actor at a climactic moment in the performance to highlight the character's emotional state.
Costumes and Makeup
The costumes in kabuki are elaborate and vibrant, often featuring intricate designs and bold colors. The makeup, known as kumadori, is equally elaborate and is used to emphasize the actors' facial expressions. Different colors and patterns of makeup are used to symbolize different character traits, such as red for heroism and blue for villainy.
Music and Instruments
Music plays a crucial role in kabuki, with a variety of traditional Japanese instruments used to accompany the performance. The shamisen, a three-stringed instrument, is particularly important, providing both musical accompaniment and sound effects. Other instruments commonly used include taiko drums and flutes.
Stage and Set Design
The kabuki stage is unique and includes several features not found in other forms of theater. One of the most distinctive features is the hanamichi, a walkway that extends into the audience and is used for dramatic entrances and exits. The stage also includes trapdoors and revolving sections to facilitate quick scene changes.
Types of Kabuki Plays
Kabuki plays can be broadly categorized into three types: jidaimono (historical plays), sewamono (domestic plays), and shosagoto (dance pieces).
Jidaimono
Jidaimono plays are set in the distant past and often focus on historical events and figures. These plays typically involve themes of loyalty, honor, and revenge. One of the most famous jidaimono plays is "Kanadehon Chūshingura," which tells the story of the forty-seven rōnin.
Sewamono
Sewamono plays are set in the contemporary period of the Edo era and focus on the lives of common people. These plays often deal with themes of love, family, and social issues. A well-known sewamono play is "Sonezaki Shinjū," which tells the tragic story of a double suicide.
Shosagoto
Shosagoto plays are primarily dance pieces and are known for their beautiful choreography and music. These plays often feature elaborate costumes and makeup, and the dance movements are highly stylized and expressive.
Notable Kabuki Actors
Over the centuries, kabuki has produced many renowned actors who have made significant contributions to the art form. Some of the most famous actors include:
Ichikawa Danjūrō
The name Ichikawa Danjūrō is one of the most prestigious in kabuki, with the lineage of actors bearing this name dating back to the 17th century. The Danjūrō actors are known for their powerful performances and mastery of aragoto, a style of kabuki characterized by bold and exaggerated movements.
Nakamura Kanzaburō
Nakamura Kanzaburō is another illustrious name in kabuki, with a lineage that also dates back to the Edo period. The Kanzaburō actors are known for their versatility and ability to perform a wide range of roles, from heroic warriors to delicate female characters.
Bando Tamasaburō
Bando Tamasaburō is one of the most celebrated onnagata actors of the modern era. His performances are renowned for their grace and beauty, and he has played a significant role in bringing kabuki to international audiences.
Modern Kabuki
While kabuki remains deeply rooted in tradition, it has also evolved to adapt to contemporary tastes and audiences. Modern kabuki performances often incorporate new technologies and staging techniques, while still preserving the core elements of the art form.
International Influence
Kabuki has gained international recognition and has influenced various forms of theater and performance art around the world. Notable examples include the works of Western playwrights and directors who have drawn inspiration from kabuki's stylized performance and visual aesthetics.
Preservation and Innovation
Efforts to preserve kabuki as a cultural heritage continue, with organizations and institutions dedicated to maintaining traditional practices and training new generations of actors. At the same time, innovative productions and collaborations with other art forms help to keep kabuki relevant and dynamic.