Japan, Kabuki, and Bunraku: Crash Course Theater #23

Summary

This episode of Crash Course: Theatre, hosted by Mike Rugnetta, delves into two forms of traditional Japanese theatre: Kabuki and Bunraku. Kabuki, originating during Japan's Tokugawa Shogunate, is known for its extravagant, dramatic performances involving dance, sword fights, and flamboyant costumes. After women were banned from performing, Kabuki evolved with male actors taking over all roles. In contrast, Bunraku is a highly detailed puppet theatre requiring expert puppeteers. The episode highlights the historical context, societal influences, and unique features of both forms, showcasing their ongoing cultural significance in Japan.

Takeaways

• 🎭 Kabuki, a popular form of Japanese theatre, originated during the Tokugawa Shogunate (1603-1868), a time of peace and isolationism in Japan.
• 🩰 Kabuki began with female dancer Okuni in Kyoto, who combined dance, playlets, and cross-dressing to create Onna Kabuki (Women's Kabuki).
• 🚫 Due to concerns over moral corruption, women were banned from performing in 1629, and Kabuki roles were taken over by young boys, who were later also outlawed.
• 👨 Kabuki transitioned into an all-male performance form, with actors shaving their foreheads to avoid attracting unwanted attention from samurai.
• ⏳ A Kabuki performance typically lasted twelve hours, but government regulations in 1868 reduced it to an eight-hour maximum.
• ⚔️ Kabuki's signature elements include intense physicality, stage combat, and special effects, differing from the more austere Noh theatre.
• 👘 Kabuki actors, many of whom were born into the profession, wore elaborate costumes and makeup, with each character type having a distinct style.
• 🌸 Kabuki stages featured a Hanamichi (Flower Way), a runway that extended through the audience, enhancing the immersive experience.
• 🧑‍🎤 Bunraku, a form of puppet theatre developed alongside Kabuki, features large puppets manipulated by three puppeteers, with highly detailed movements.
• 💔 Chikamatsu Monzaemon, a prominent playwright for both Kabuki and Bunraku, often wrote love suicide plays that were banned for being too sensational.

Q & A

What is Kabuki, and how did it originate?

Kabuki is a form of Japanese theater that originated in the early 1600s during the Tokugawa Shogunate. It began with a female dancer named Okuni, who performed in Kyoto and mixed dance with playlets and cross-dressing. Over time, Kabuki evolved into a full theatrical form, becoming popular among the middle class.

What role did the Tokugawa Shogunate play in the development of Kabuki?

During the Tokugawa Shogunate, a period of peace and prosperity, the government practiced strict isolationism. While this led to the flourishing of native arts, Kabuki emerged as an outlet for social expression and entertainment, especially for the growing middle class. The Shogunate later regulated Kabuki performances, moving them to the Red Light District.

Why were women banned from performing in Kabuki in 1629?

Women were banned from performing in Kabuki because the authorities were concerned about the 'corrupting influence' of female performers, particularly due to the association with courtesans. This led to boys and eventually men playing female roles, resulting in the development of the Onnagata, or male actors specializing in female roles.

How did the makeup and costumes contribute to Kabuki performances?

Kabuki makeup and costumes were highly elaborate. Actors painted their faces white with red, black, blue, or brown accents depending on the character type. The costumes were extravagant and could weigh up to 50 pounds, with Onnagata actors often wearing multiple kimonos. However, laws restricted costumes from being too extravagant to avoid attracting too much attention.

What is the significance of the Hanamichi in Kabuki theatre?

The Hanamichi, or 'Flower Way,' is a runway that extends from the back of the theater to the stage, allowing actors to walk through the audience. It was a popular feature that added excitement to performances, similar to modern 3D effects, and some theaters even added a second Hanamichi.

How did Kabuki differ from Noh theatre?

Kabuki differed from Noh in several ways. While Noh was austere, spiritual, and focused on enlightenment, Kabuki was flamboyant, exciting, and aimed at entertainment. Kabuki featured more plot, spectacle, sword fights, and special effects, appealing to a broader audience.

What are the key role types in Kabuki theatre?

The key role types in Kabuki include the Onnagata (male actors playing female roles), Tachiyaku (brave heroes), Katakiyaku (villains), and Koyaku (children's roles). Each of these roles had distinct acting styles, makeup, and characterizations.

What is Bunraku, and how is it different from Kabuki?

Bunraku is a form of Japanese puppet theatre that developed around the same time as Kabuki. In Bunraku, large, lifelike puppets are manipulated by three puppeteers, with one controlling the head and right arm, another controlling the left arm, and the third controlling the feet. Unlike Kabuki, which focuses on live acting, Bunraku relies on the skill of the puppeteers to create lifelike performances.

Who was Chikamatsu Monzaemon, and what was his contribution to Japanese theatre?

Chikamatsu Monzaemon was one of the most famous Kabuki and Bunraku playwrights, often referred to as the 'Japanese Shakespeare.' He wrote plays that dramatized sensational plots, including love suicides, and was known for his ability to evoke deep emotional responses in audiences.

Why were love suicide plays eventually banned, and what was their impact?

Love suicide plays, a popular genre in both Kabuki and Bunraku, were banned because they were seen as too sensational and were feared to inspire real-life copycat suicides. These plays often depicted tragic love stories that resonated with the audience, making them emotionally impactful but also controversial.