World Music | Week 12 | The Kabuki Theatre
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
- đ Kabuki is a form of classical theater in Japan that has evolved over 400 years and still maintains influence and popularity.
- đ The word 'kabuki' comes from the Japanese verb 'kabuk' meaning 'out of the ordinary' or 'bizarre'.
- đïž Kabuki originated in the early 17th century in Kyoto, with Izumo no Okuni performing unusual dances on the city's dry Kamo Riverbed.
- đ§ Initially, kabuki was performed by females and was known as 'onakabuki', but it evolved to include male performers due to societal and government pressures.
- đŠ 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.
- đ 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.
- đ The Tokugawa shogunate attempted to control kabuki through bans and restrictions on costumes, stage weaponry, and plot subject matter.
- đ Despite Japan's isolation (sukkoku), kabuki influenced and was influenced by European artists like Claude Monet, Vincent van Gogh, and Claude Debussy.
- đ 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.
- đ Today, kabuki continues as an integral part of Japan's cultural heritage, extending its influence to television, film, and anime.
- đ” 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
đ 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.
đ° 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.
đŹ 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.
đ¶ 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
đĄKabuki
đĄIzumo no Okuni
đĄOnna Kabuki
đĄWakashu Kabuki
đĄYarĆ Kabuki
đĄOnagata
đĄHanamichi
đĄKesho
đĄBunraku
đĄShamisen
đĄTokugawa Shogunate
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.
Transcripts
next up on our list is the kabuki
theater of japan so without going into
too much detail we are going to be
watching a video that details what the
kabuki theater is and the history of
this theatrical form
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me
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many elements of traditional japanese
culture such as cuisine and martial arts
are well known throughout the world
kabuki a form of classical theater
performance may not be as well
understood in the west but has evolved
over 400 years to still maintain
influence and popularity to this day
the word kabuki is derived from the
japanese verb kabuku meaning out of the
ordinary or bizarre
its history began in early 17th century
kyoto where a shrine maiden named izumo
noakuni would use the city's dry camo
riverbed as a stage to perform unusual
dances for passerby who found her daring
parodies of buddhist prayers both
entertaining and mesmerizing
soon other troops began performing in
the same style and kabuki made history
as japan's first dramatic performance
form catering to the common people
by relying on makeup or kesho and facial
expressions instead of masks and
focusing on historical events and
everyday life rather than folk tales
kabuki set itself apart from the upper
class dance theater form known as no and
provided a unique commentary on society
during the edo period at first the dance
was practiced only by females and
commonly referred to as onakabuki
it soon evolved to an ensemble
performance and became a regular
attraction at tea houses drawing
audiences from all social classes at
this point ona kabuki was often risque
as geishas performed not only to show
off their singing and dancing abilities
but also to advertise their bodies to
potential clients
a ban by the conservative tokugawa
shogunate in 1629 led to the emergence
of wakashu kabuki with young boys as
actors
but when this was also banned for
similar reasons there was a transition
to yaro kabuki performed by men
necessitating elaborate costumes and
makeup for those playing female roles or
onagata attempts by the government to
control kabuki didn't end with bans on
the gender or age of performers the
tokugawa military group or bakufu was
fueled by confucian ideals and often
enacted sanctions on costume fabrics
stage weaponry and the subject matter of
the plot at the same time kabuki became
closely associated with and influenced
by bunraku an elaborate form of puppet
theater due to these influences the once
spontaneous one-act dance evolved into a
structured five-act play often based on
the tenets of confucian philosophy
before 1868 when the tokugawa shogunate
fell and emperor meiji was restored to
power japan had practiced isolation from
other countries or sukkoku and thus the
development of kabuki had mostly been
shaped by domestic influences but even
before this period european artists such
as claude monet had become interested in
and inspired by japanese art such as
woodblock prints as well as live
performance
after 1868 others such as vincent van
gogh and composer claude debussy began
to incorporate kabuki influences in
their work while kabuki itself underwent
much change and experimentation to adapt
to the new modern era
like other traditional art forms kabuki
suffered in popularity in the wake of
world war ii but innovation by artists
such as director tetsuji takechi led to
a resurgence shortly after
indeed kabuki was even considered a
popular form of entertainment amongst
american troops stationed in japan
despite initial u.s censorship of
japanese traditions
today kabuki still lives on as an
integral part of japan's rich cultural
heritage extending its influence beyond
the stage to television film and anime
the art form pioneered by okuni
continues to delight audiences with the
actors elaborate makeup extravagant and
delicately embroidered costumes and the
unmistakable melodrama of the stories
told on stage
so the kabuki theater is a theatrical
form that developed during the tokugawa
shogunate of 1603 to 1868
so very early on in the pre-recorded
lecture i mentioned that
japan went through a period of isolation
and this period of isolation coincided
with tokugawa or shoguny so the kabuki
theater of japan started to develop
during this period of isolation where
japan was closed out from the outside
world so this is why the kabuki theatre
is very very unique to japan
it is completely unique you will find
nothing else like it anywhere else in
the world here so this particular
tradition is primarily performed by
males
but it started off being performed by
females yeah female courtesans used to
perform it initially
when it first started but by 1629 they
were bad yeah because they were
considered a bit too risque
so the men had to take over and a lot of
the men as well
besides taking on the roles of the
kabuki because it was so popular
they also took on female roles and
although i don't go into detail about
the female roles of kabuki note that
there are many men as well who are
specifically trained for female kabuki
rose which are known as onagata yeah and
they are highly highly skilled actors
here because they need to play women um
so this is a very popular form of
theater and the history and the stories
of the kabuki is largely circulates
around historical place and contemporary
dramas yeah so unlike the north theater
where the emphasis is on the aesthetics
of simplicity of you know that whole
feeling of just
being constrained and in control kabuki
is almost like the opposite of it here
historical place and dramas are part of
it so it is performed primarily on a
stage that looks very different to the
no theater it has a hanamichi stage so
for those of you who may be interested
in theatre or you heard on this of this
term hanamichi this refers to the kabuki
stage although it is used these days
also in contemporary theater yeah when
you say that a stage is hanamichi in
design you are talking about a stage
that has a very long raised platform
that extends all the way out to the
audience yeah so it's not just a stage
is it a box where people watch from the
audience point but there is a whole
runway as well and usually in the middle
or at the side of it here um the stage
is also very very elaborate there are
revolving stages then there's different
platforms here so if you remember the
video that we watched before that the
four kabuki actors emerged from a race
platform yeah so they didn't just come
out from side stage they just came up
from this platform so the staging itself
is a lot more elaborate compared to the
no theater yeah um these race platform
the hanamishi stage where you know the
stage is extended to the audience is
used by the actors themselves yeah and
kabuki characters um like you see in
this picture over here they use that
platform to enter and exit the stage so
let's have a look at some of the images
of the kabuki staging so if you see over
here this is a traditional kabuki
theater setting so the setting is very
very simple in terms of the audience so
where the audio sits is very very simple
but the stage itself you can see in this
image over here it has a hanamichi stage
the race platform in this case is on the
far left corner so if you see this area
here on the left
um leading to the main stage itself that
right there is the race platform yeah so
even though the stage looks quite simple
in this particular image it actually can
have a lot more props on it here so
there are revolving stages as i said and
a lot more elaborate props here so this
is a better example and this better
image of the kabuki stage and you can
see the transformation of the stage it's
just wonderful yeah you have backdrops
you have color you have you know
costumes and axes as well and you have
even this uh river that's flowing right
in the middle of it here so the staging
of kabuki can be very very elaborate and
if you look at the axes themselves you
can also see they have equally elaborate
costumes as well as makeup and the
makeup that you see
has different significance they signify
different types of characters okay so
the kabuki musical ensemble comprises of
instruments that we have already
encountered in the no theater so there
are going to be three different types of
drums the same types of drums that are
used from the nose which is the osuzumi
the kosuzomi our hourglass shaped drums
in large and small size as well as taiko
which is this small barrel shaped drums
here there is also a nokan which is the
no flute that is used in the kabuki
theater yeah um and there is also an
addition of a small metal gong so
sometimes a small metal gorge is used as
well as a shamisen so what on earth is a
shamisen shamisen refers to a three
string glute here that is fretless so if
this looks quite familiar to a chinese
instrument you are not wrong yeah it is
influenced by
the chinese instrument the sunshine
which is a three-string loot as well
yeah but as you will start to see and i
hope you start to see this example
vishwamisan that it has very very
different tuning so what i want to end
with for the kabuki section is um more
excerpts from the kabuki staging as well
as some information about the shamisen
which is the instrument that is featured
from the kabuki theatrical tradition
is a japanese traditional plugged
instrument which has three strings
it is similar to a banjo and so by
calling it a japanese banjo almost
everyone can imagine what it's like
the body which we call do
is a hollow square box made from
rosewood
the neck which passes through the body
of the instrument is typically made of
red sandalwood or rose wood the other
end of the neck has curved tail
which we call tenjin
named after the japanese god
below the tenjin
ebony or ivory tuning pegs are inserted
at the pig box
to play the shamisen we use a breakdown
called bachi
to create a percussive sound
the bocci can be made of ivory water
buffalo horn turtle shell plastic or
aqua resin
the shape similar to that of a ginkgo
leaf to pray the shamisen one uses the
first
second
and third fingers on the left hand to
press down
and we use different left hand finger
techniques
there are also several techniques for
the right hand which holds the fracture
just
for the
right hand
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downstroke and upstroke sukui we call
sukui
and so left hand
technique
hajiki
and also sodium
this and the combination
like that
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hey
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sausage
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