To show femininity
The onnagata actors who play female roles in Kabuki do not imitate actual women; they create an on-stage image of a woman through the power of their art. There are a variety of female roles, including lively young women, noble princesses, unpretentious wives of townsfolk, and resolute women from samurai families. Here, we’ll look at their basic posture and way of walking.
Basic posture
Watch this video, and pay attention to the gentle shoulder movements.
Performer: Nakamura Kyotae
An onnagata adopts a low-shouldered posture, pulling both hands backwards and ensuring that his upper arms (from the elbow) do not leave his body.
Watch this video, and pay attention to the gentle shoulder movements.
Performer: Nakamura Kyotae
Basic way of walking
Watch this video and pay attention to the movements of the knees.
Performer: Nakamura Kyotae
An onnagata walks with the toes of both feet pointed inwards, and is careful to keep his knees together.
Watch this video and pay attention to the movements of the knees.
Performer: Nakamura Kyotae