Kabuki!

Influenced by Noh
In terms of the singing style and movement of
the performers Kabuki is heavily influenced by
Noh.
However, Kabuki is much more elaborate and
comedic than its predecessor, Noh.

Considered one of Japans three classical

styles of theater along with Noh and Bunraku.

Kabuki is very showy and

elaborate, with fantastically
designed costumes, make-up
and wigs.

The actions of the performers

are very exaggerated.

The actors use highly-stylized

movements, which help convey
meaning to the audience.
The words are in an ancient form
of Japanese, many modern
audiences have difficulty
understanding.

 Unlike Noh, Kabuki uses dynamic sets

including revolving platforms, trapdoors
and a bridge that helps with dramatic
entrances, exits.
The stories of Kabuki plays are historical
events, well-known stories, love stories,
tragedies, dramas and conspiracy
stories.

Often a Kabuki play will only tell

part of a story, so audience
members often read the story
beforehand to familiarize
themselves.

 Kabuki began around the same time that

Shakespeare was writing plays on the other side
of the world
Originally, Kabuki was only performed by women.
Became a common form of entertainment in
Yoshiwaras Red Light District
Women who performed in Kabuki plays were
often also prostitutes for hire

 Kabuki performances were a place

where the people could see latest
fashion trends, doubled as a fashion
show.
Kabuki often brought shops and
restaurants to towns/cities in Japan,
helped create a sense of pop culture in
Japan

Due to the immoral view on the

female Kabuki performers, women
were banned from performing in
1629.

Japanese Samurai were associating

with the female performers, and
therefore bringing shame to the
shongunate (military).

After women performers were

banned, young male performers
took their place in the female roles
of Kabuki plays.

Eventually the young male

performers were also hired for
prostitution, and therefore banned
from Kabuki.

Starting in the mid-1600s all Kabuki

performers were adult males.

Once women and young boys were

banned from Kabuki, more of an
emphasis was placed on dramatic
performance than dance.

 1673-1841: Kabuki styles and characters

became more defined.
In the mid-1800s fires broke out across Japan,
burning down many Kabuki theaters.
The shogunate took advantage of the
disasters, and would not let them rebuild the
theaters.

Kabuki was forced out of

the capital Edo (now
Tokyo), and moved to
smaller cities.

Around this time many

European artists became
interested in the imagery
associated with Japanese
visual arts and theater.

Once the Tokugawa shogunate,

who had been trying to get rid
of Kabuki, fell they were able to
rebuild the theater culture.

Kabuki moved back to its

original home city in Japan, Edo
(now known as Tokyo).

 In the late 1800s the Samurai class was

eliminated from Japan.
With their newly found freedom from the
government, Kabuki artists adapted the art for
the upper classes.

Eventually the Meiji Empire began sponsoring

performances

Kabuki was banned in Japan

during WWII from 1931-1947
during occupation.