Kabuki scenes are expressed by the extensive use of Odogu (stage sets), Kodogu (props), the sound effects and music called Geza-ongaku, and stage mechanisms. A general explanation of the key points of various techniques and items used to express the situation is each scene, is given here.
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The word "Joshiki" in Kabuki means "predetermined form." One famous example of this is "Joshiki-maku," the persimmon, dark green and black striped curtain. There are many "Joshiki" Odogu (stage sets).
The following 2 drawings show stage sets for scenes from different plays. The height of the building's floor, the stairway in front with 3 black steps, and the unique entrance form called katokuchi are common features.
This stage setting called Tennodate is used for scenes showing goten (palatial residence) in Jidaimono plays. The stereotyped stage setting used for multiple works like this is called Joshiki Odogu (predetermined form of stage set). The development of stereotypical scenes was behind the creation of Joshiki Odogu. As Kabuki developed, its scenarios began to include many stereotypical scenes. Odogu for the scenes showing stereotyped temples and residential palaces, of necessity become similar structures. Theaters in the Edo period started always keeping the stage sets for stereotypical scenes, and used such stage sets for many similar scenes. These sets became Joshiki Odogu.
The following 2 drawings show stage sets for scenes from different plays. The height of the building's floor, the stairway in front with 3 black steps, and the unique entrance form called katokuchi are common features.
This stage setting called Tennodate is used for scenes showing goten (palatial residence) in Jidaimono plays. The stereotyped stage setting used for multiple works like this is called Joshiki Odogu (predetermined form of stage set). The development of stereotypical scenes was behind the creation of Joshiki Odogu. As Kabuki developed, its scenarios began to include many stereotypical scenes. Odogu for the scenes showing stereotyped temples and residential palaces, of necessity become similar structures. Theaters in the Edo period started always keeping the stage sets for stereotypical scenes, and used such stage sets for many similar scenes. These sets became Joshiki Odogu.
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There are various Joshiki (predetermined forms) for the heights of the floors in stage sets. These are "Tsune-ashi" (regular steps), "Chu-sahi" (medium steps) and "Taka-ashi" (high steps).
Tsune-ashi, the height most frequently used, is 1 shaku 4 sun [about 42cm]; this is used for farmhouses, merchants' houses and the houses of low-class samurai, etc. The Taka-ashi height, 2 shaku 8 sun [about 84cm], is used for palatial residences like the above-mentioned Tennodate and the residences of court lords and feudal lords. Chu-sahi with a height of 2 shaku 1 sun [about 63cm] between Tsune-ashi and Taka-ashi, is not much used. The heights of stage sets for Kabuki have intervals of 7 sun [about 21cm], and actors physically remember this height, so they can carry out their acting smoothly.
Tsune-ashi, the height most frequently used, is 1 shaku 4 sun [about 42cm]; this is used for farmhouses, merchants' houses and the houses of low-class samurai, etc. The Taka-ashi height, 2 shaku 8 sun [about 84cm], is used for palatial residences like the above-mentioned Tennodate and the residences of court lords and feudal lords. Chu-sahi with a height of 2 shaku 1 sun [about 63cm] between Tsune-ashi and Taka-ashi, is not much used. The heights of stage sets for Kabuki have intervals of 7 sun [about 21cm], and actors physically remember this height, so they can carry out their acting smoothly.
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Particularly for classical works, stage sets use stereotypes and stylized methods including "Joshiki" like this rather than realistic expression, to show "scenes that look the way they should."
