What Is Kabuki Theater?

Before the rise of technology, symphonies, operas and theaters were the only form of public entertainment outside of sports or other physical contests. Theater was a treasured art form as it allowed people to watch stories that reflected their lives, cultures and values. Kabuki theater is one example of a theatrical expression of a culture and its themes and norms.

History

Kabuki theater is a traditional Japanese theater that rose to popularity in the 1600s up to the late 1800s. Japan’s shogun had called for the isolation of Japan, causing all art forms to look inward, rather than be influenced by outside cultures. It was a peaceful time in Japan, and the people had time to focus on the arts instead of war. There was also a Neo-Confucianism rising which focused on the importance of extreme order in the government, education and society with strict views of morality. This period is labeled the Edo Period.

The Kabuki Stage

The stage found at a Kabuki theater was very interactive. Very often the stage would swivel or rotate to reveal new scenes. Trapdoors allowed actors to make dramatic appearances or exits. Some even used a bridge that went into the audience. Props and puppets were common.

Structure of Kabuki Theater

Kabuki theater reflected the Neo-Confucianism beliefs of the age. The stories focused on history, relationships and conflicts of morality. Traditional music was played to accompany the actors, especially Shamisenongaku which is played by a three-string guitar, or shamisen. There was much dancing and over-dramatic movements. The plays were written in antiquated Japanese, though Kabuki theater was more popular with commoners than previous forms of theatrical art.

The Actors

Actors wore elaborate facial paint or masks to give the characters a stylized look. Some needed it more than others as women were banned by the shogun from acting in Kabuki theater; it was viewed as immoral for women to be the center of male attention. Some men, called onnagata, specialized in playing female roles.