Kabuki Narrative
Painted faces, extravagant costumes, and a three sided stage, all these components make up the Kabuki Theater. The Kabuki remains a popular art form in Japan today. While performing the Kabuki performers enter and exit the theater through the back which makes the entrances and exits more dramatic. Like the picture to the left from the Asia Grace website, the costumes worn during a Kabuki are dramatic and colorful. Usually the costumes all have a hidden meaning. The costumes are sometime layered for quick costume changes. Kabuki performers also wear shoes called “zouri.” Zouri are like flip flops but they are made of a different material. The work Kabuki in Japan actually means three different words, sing, dance, and skill.
Wigs are also a major part of the Kabuki. Strands of hair make the wigs. The hair is attached to a copper base that is then held onto the performers head. The wig must be re-done before every performance. The make-up of the Kabuki is very important in showing who is who on the stage. Tattoos are also used to symbolize criminals. The picture on the right shows a man with Kabuki make-up and a Kabuki wig on.
In most Kabuki troupes men play both female and male roles in the play. Men who play females are called “onnagata.” Some troupes do use women though. Kabuki Theaters are used for Kabuki performances, sometimes performances are at other theaters but not often. Most performances last about four to five hours. During performances the curtains stay open and stage hands change the scenery while the performers perform.
In most Kabuki troupes men play both female and male roles in the play. Men who play females are called “onnagata.” Some troupes do use women though. Kabuki Theaters are used for Kabuki performances, sometimes performances are at other theaters but not often. Most performances last about four to five hours. During performances the curtains stay open and stage hands change the scenery while the performers perform.
During the performance different characters strike poses that express an emotion. This pose is called a “mie.” The picture to the left shows a Kabuki character striking this pose. This pose usually makes the audience clap and yell. The audience has such a strong reaction to the pose because that is how they show appreciation for the Kabuki. Also while the performer holds this pose the audience might yell the characters name to show more appreciation. This is then followed by even more clapping and yelling.
I chose the Kabuki because the painted faces and the beautiful, interesting costumes interest me. I also like how the different costumes represent different ideas. I have always seen different pictures of the Kabuki but never knew what the dance was actually called or what actually happened in the dance. Whenever I watch the Kabuki I get goose bumps because the dramatic faces the performers make. This form of dance is so interesting to me. The dramatic pauses that drive the audience crazy and the dramatic entrances and exits are much more interesting then the American style plays I usually attend.
The make-up the performers of Kabuki wear is also very interesting. The make-up is very precise and beautiful. I think the Kabuki should be performed much more in the United States because this style of dance would be so entertaining for Americans to watch. Also I believe Americans could become more culturally in-tune. I think the people who created this dance were probably some of the most interesting, entertaining people in the world at the time.
I chose the Kabuki because the painted faces and the beautiful, interesting costumes interest me. I also like how the different costumes represent different ideas. I have always seen different pictures of the Kabuki but never knew what the dance was actually called or what actually happened in the dance. Whenever I watch the Kabuki I get goose bumps because the dramatic faces the performers make. This form of dance is so interesting to me. The dramatic pauses that drive the audience crazy and the dramatic entrances and exits are much more interesting then the American style plays I usually attend.
The make-up the performers of Kabuki wear is also very interesting. The make-up is very precise and beautiful. I think the Kabuki should be performed much more in the United States because this style of dance would be so entertaining for Americans to watch. Also I believe Americans could become more culturally in-tune. I think the people who created this dance were probably some of the most interesting, entertaining people in the world at the time.