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Kabuki Theater
Kabuki is a form of classic Japanese theater which is best known for its' incredible showmanship and elaborate costuming. The outlandish make-up, costuming, verbal and facial expressions, and over the top physical movements come together in an expressive and lengthy performance. Plots typically are based upon historical events, dramas, moral conflicts, love stories, and traditional tales.
Kabuki performances take place within kabuki theaters called gekijo, specially designed buildings for kabuki performances although they do showcase other theater arts. The stage itself is ripe with surprises as it holds many trapdoors and revolving platforms to provide for quick costume changes and expressive entrances and exits by performers. Additionally live music is a staple of kabuki theater. with musicians in costume and present on stage during performances creating a captivating atmosphere. Kabuki theaters always have an orchestra present, but unlike Western theaters, . . . where only the conductor is prominent, kabuki prefers to have its musicians perform from an onstage position" (Leiter 1997, 79). An ensemble of musicians frequently are dressed in costume and fully visual to the audience in kabuki. Musicians help to create not only the soundtrack, but also the everyday sounds of life as portrayed in kabuki. They are as much a part of the performance as the actors and thus receive visible positions in many performances.
Kabuki performances take place within kabuki theaters called gekijo, specially designed buildings for kabuki performances although they do showcase other theater arts. The stage itself is ripe with surprises as it holds many trapdoors and revolving platforms to provide for quick costume changes and expressive entrances and exits by performers. Additionally live music is a staple of kabuki theater. with musicians in costume and present on stage during performances creating a captivating atmosphere. Kabuki theaters always have an orchestra present, but unlike Western theaters, . . . where only the conductor is prominent, kabuki prefers to have its musicians perform from an onstage position" (Leiter 1997, 79). An ensemble of musicians frequently are dressed in costume and fully visual to the audience in kabuki. Musicians help to create not only the soundtrack, but also the everyday sounds of life as portrayed in kabuki. They are as much a part of the performance as the actors and thus receive visible positions in many performances.
(Japan Guide) |
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A Video Guide to Kabuki
Photo used under Creative Commons from Dumphasizer