World Music | Week 12 | The Kabuki Theatre

Christine May Yong

30 Aug 202114:52

Summary

TLDRThe script delves into the rich history and unique features of Kabuki, a classical Japanese theater form with over 400 years of evolution. Originating from Izumo no Okuni's unusual dances in Kyoto, Kabuki distinguished itself with makeup, historical narratives, and everyday life depictions. It underwent significant changes, including performer gender shifts and government sanctions, yet maintained its popularity. Today, Kabuki continues to thrive, influencing global artists and expanding into modern media, all while retaining its elaborate makeup, costumes, and dramatic storytelling on the hanamichi stage.

Takeaways

🌏 Kabuki is a form of classical theater in Japan that has evolved over 400 years and still maintains influence and popularity.
🎭 The word 'kabuki' comes from the Japanese verb 'kabuk' meaning 'out of the ordinary' or 'bizarre'.
🏙️ Kabuki originated in the early 17th century in Kyoto, with Izumo no Okuni performing unusual dances on the city's dry Kamo Riverbed.
👧 Initially, kabuki was performed by females and was known as 'onakabuki', but it evolved to include male performers due to societal and government pressures.
👦 The transition from female to male performers led to the emergence of 'wakashu kabuki' with young boys, and later 'yaro kabuki' performed by adult men.
🎭 Kabuki differentiated itself from the upper-class dance theater form 'no' by focusing on historical events and everyday life, using makeup and facial expressions instead of masks.
🎭 The Tokugawa shogunate attempted to control kabuki through bans and restrictions on costumes, stage weaponry, and plot subject matter.
🌐 Despite Japan's isolation (sukkoku), kabuki influenced and was influenced by European artists like Claude Monet, Vincent van Gogh, and Claude Debussy.
🎭 Kabuki's popularity declined after World War II, but innovations by artists like director Tetsuji Takechi led to a resurgence, even among American troops stationed in Japan.
🎭 Today, kabuki continues as an integral part of Japan's cultural heritage, extending its influence to television, film, and anime.
🎵 The kabuki musical ensemble includes traditional Japanese instruments like drums, the nokan (no flute), and the shamisen, a three-string fretless instrument.

Q & A

What is Kabuki theater and how long has it been around?
-Kabuki is a form of classical Japanese theater that has evolved over 400 years, maintaining influence and popularity to this day.
Where did Kabuki theater originate?
-Kabuki theater originated in early 17th century Kyoto, Japan.
Who is credited with starting Kabuki theater and how did it begin?
-Izumo no Okuni, a shrine maiden, is credited with starting Kabuki theater. She performed unusual dances on Kyoto's dry riverbeds, which were daring parodies of Buddhist prayers.
What does the word 'Kabuki' mean?
-The word 'Kabuki' is derived from the Japanese verb 'kabuku,' meaning out of the ordinary or bizarre.
Why was Kabuki initially banned for female performers?
-Kabuki was initially performed by females but was banned by the Tokugawa shogunate in 1629 because the performances were considered too risque.
What changes occurred in Kabuki theater after the ban on female performers?
-After the ban on female performers, young boys, known as 'wakashu,' began performing Kabuki. When this was also banned, adult men took over, leading to the development of 'yaro Kabuki,' where male actors played both male and female roles.
How did the Tokugawa shogunate attempt to control Kabuki theater?
-The Tokugawa shogunate, guided by Confucian ideals, enacted sanctions on costume fabrics, stage weaponry, and plot subject matter to control Kabuki theater.
How did Kabuki theater change during the Meiji Restoration?
-During the Meiji Restoration, Kabuki underwent much change and experimentation to adapt to the modern era, incorporating influences from European artists and evolving its style.
What instruments are commonly used in Kabuki theater music?
-Instruments commonly used in Kabuki theater music include various drums (osuzumi, kosuzumi, taiko), the noh flute (nokan), a small metal gong, and the shamisen, a three-stringed lute.
What is the significance of the 'hanamichi' stage in Kabuki theater?
-The 'hanamichi' stage is a long, raised platform extending into the audience, used by actors for dramatic entrances and exits, making Kabuki performances more interactive and dynamic.
How did Kabuki theater regain popularity after World War II?
-Kabuki theater regained popularity after World War II due to innovations by artists like director Tetsuji Takechi, despite initial U.S. censorship of Japanese traditions. It became a popular form of entertainment among American troops stationed in Japan.
How is the makeup used in Kabuki theater significant?
-The elaborate makeup in Kabuki theater, known as 'kesho,' signifies different types of characters and adds to the dramatic and visual impact of the performance.
How did the development of Kabuki theater differ from the noh theater?
-Kabuki theater focused on historical events and everyday life with elaborate costumes and makeup, while noh theater emphasized simplicity and control, often using masks instead of makeup.
What is a 'shamisen' and how is it played?
-A shamisen is a three-stringed, fretless lute similar to a banjo. It is played using a plectrum called 'bachi,' and the player uses various finger techniques on the left hand and different stroke techniques on the right hand.
What role did Kabuki theater play in Japanese cultural heritage?
-Kabuki theater is an integral part of Japan's cultural heritage, influencing other art forms like television, film, and anime, and continuing to delight audiences with its elaborate performances.

Outlines

00:00

🎭 Introduction to Kabuki Theater

This paragraph introduces the Kabuki theater of Japan, mentioning that a video will be watched to understand what Kabuki theater is and its history. The text highlights that Kabuki has evolved over 400 years, maintaining its influence and popularity. The term 'Kabuki' comes from the Japanese verb 'kabuku,' meaning out of the ordinary or bizarre. It originated in early 17th century Kyoto by shrine maiden Izumo no Okuni, who performed unusual dances. Kabuki's unique features include makeup instead of masks and themes of historical events and everyday life.

05:01

🕰 Evolution and Influence of Kabuki Theater

This paragraph discusses the historical evolution and influence of Kabuki theater. Initially performed by females, Kabuki was later banned due to its risque nature, leading to male performers taking over. Despite governmental attempts to control it, Kabuki flourished and became a structured five-act play influenced by Confucian philosophy. The fall of the Tokugawa shogunate in 1868 and the Meiji Restoration brought foreign influences to Kabuki. Despite challenges, Kabuki experienced a resurgence post-World War II and remains integral to Japan's cultural heritage.

10:06

🎬 Modern Influence and Staging of Kabuki Theater

This paragraph details the unique aspects of Kabuki theater staging and its modern influence. Kabuki's elaborate makeup, costumes, and dramatic storytelling set it apart. The Hanamichi stage, a long raised platform extending into the audience, is a notable feature. Kabuki performances are rich in elaborate props and stage designs, including revolving stages and elaborate platforms. The actors' makeup signifies different characters, and Kabuki's musical ensemble includes various traditional instruments, enhancing the theatrical experience.

🎶 Musical Elements in Kabuki Theater

This paragraph explores the musical elements in Kabuki theater. Instruments from the Noh theater, like various drums and the Noh flute, are used in Kabuki, along with the addition of a small metal gong and the shamisen. The shamisen is a three-stringed, fretless instrument similar to a Chinese instrument but with distinct tuning. Detailed descriptions of the shamisen's construction and playing techniques are provided, highlighting its significance in Kabuki performances. The paragraph concludes with an emphasis on the elaborate nature of Kabuki staging and performances.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Kabuki

Kabuki is a form of classical Japanese theater performance that has evolved over 400 years. Derived from the Japanese verb 'kabuku' meaning 'out of the ordinary or bizarre', it is known for its elaborate makeup, costumes, and dramatic storytelling. The script mentions that Kabuki theater began in the early 17th century in Kyoto and has maintained its influence and popularity to this day. It is a unique cultural expression that is integral to Japan's heritage.

💡Izumo no Okuni

Izumo no Okuni was a shrine maiden who is credited with the origins of Kabuki theater. She used the dry riverbed of the Kamo River in Kyoto as a stage to perform unusual dances that were both entertaining and mesmerizing. Her performances laid the foundation for what would become Japan's first dramatic performance form catering to the common people, as noted in the script.

💡Onna Kabuki

Onna Kabuki, or female Kabuki, was the initial form of Kabuki theater where female courtesans performed. It was considered risqué and was eventually banned by the conservative Tokugawa Shogunate in 1629. This led to the transition to other forms of Kabuki, such as Wakashu Kabuki and Yarō Kabuki, which involved male performers.

💡Wakashu Kabuki

Wakashu Kabuki emerged after the ban on Onna Kabuki, featuring young boys as actors. This form was also banned for similar reasons, leading to the development of Yarō Kabuki. The script highlights the historical evolution of Kabuki theater, showing how societal norms and government regulations influenced its development.

💡Yarō Kabuki

Yarō Kabuki is a form of Kabuki theater performed by men, which became prevalent after the bans on Wakashu Kabuki. It necessitated elaborate costumes and makeup for those playing female roles, known as onagata. The script emphasizes the transition from female to male performers and the resulting changes in performance style and costume design.

💡Onagata

Onagata refers to male actors who specialize in playing female roles in Kabuki theater. This practice became prominent in Yarō Kabuki, where men took over all roles, including those traditionally performed by women. The script mentions that onagata are highly skilled actors, trained to convincingly portray female characters.

💡Hanamichi

Hanamichi is a term used to describe a stage design feature in Kabuki theater. It refers to a long, raised platform that extends from the stage to the audience, allowing actors to enter and exit the stage in a dynamic way. The script describes this as a key element of Kabuki's elaborate staging, enhancing the theatrical experience.

💡Kesho

Kesho is the term used for makeup in Kabuki theater. It is an essential aspect of the performance, used to transform actors into their characters. The script mentions that Kabuki relies on kesho and facial expressions instead of masks, setting it apart from other forms of theater like No.

💡Bunraku

Bunraku is an elaborate form of puppet theater in Japan that influenced Kabuki. The script notes that Kabuki became closely associated with Bunraku, incorporating elements such as the use of music and narrative storytelling. This influence helped shape Kabuki into a structured, multi-act play.

💡Shamisen

The shamisen is a traditional Japanese musical instrument with three strings, similar to a banjo. It is used in Kabuki theater to provide musical accompaniment. The script describes the shamisen as having a unique tuning and being played with a plectrum called a bachi, contributing to the distinctive sound of Kabuki performances.

💡Tokugawa Shogunate

The Tokugawa Shogunate was a period in Japanese history from 1603 to 1868, during which Kabuki theater developed. The script mentions that this period of isolation from the outside world allowed Kabuki to evolve uniquely within Japan,不受外界影响. The Shogunate also attempted to control Kabuki through various bans and regulations, shaping its development.

Highlights

Kabuki is a form of classical Japanese theater with a history of over 400 years.

The word 'kabuki' comes from the Japanese verb 'kabuku' meaning 'out of the ordinary' or 'bizarre'.

Kabuki originated in early 17th century Kyoto with Izumo no Okuni's unusual dances.

Kabuki was Japan's first dramatic performance form catering to the common people.

Kabuki distinguishes itself from the upper-class no theater by using makeup and focusing on historical events and everyday life.

Initially performed by females as onakabuki, it evolved to ensemble performances attracting diverse audiences.

The Tokugawa shogunate banned female kabuki performers in 1629 due to its risqué nature.

Wakashu kabuki emerged with young boys as actors after the ban on female performers.

Yaro kabuki performed by men became the norm after wakashu kabuki was also banned.

Kabuki became influenced by bunraku puppet theater, leading to a more structured five-act play format.

European artists like Claude Monet were inspired by Japanese art and kabuki before Japan's isolation ended.

After 1868, more Western artists like Vincent van Gogh and Claude Debussy incorporated kabuki influences in their work.

Kabuki suffered in popularity after World War II but experienced a resurgence through innovation by artists like Tetsuji Takechi.

Kabuki continues as an integral part of Japan's cultural heritage, extending its influence to TV, film, and anime.

Kabuki theater is unique to Japan, with nothing else like it found anywhere else in the world.

Kabuki is primarily performed by males, but initially started with female courtesans.

Male actors in kabuki also take on female roles, known as onagata, requiring highly skilled acting.

Kabuki stories revolve around historical plays and contemporary dramas, unlike the aesthetics of simplicity in no theater.

The kabuki stage features a hanamichi, a long raised platform extending to the audience, used by actors for dramatic entrances and exits.

Kabuki staging is elaborate with revolving stages, backdrops, and props, in contrast to the simplicity of no theater.

Kabuki makeup has different significance, signifying various character types.

The kabuki musical ensemble includes traditional Japanese instruments like drums, nokan flute, and shamisen.

The shamisen is a three-string fretless instrument similar to a banjo, with unique tuning and playing techniques.