Introduction

Features

A classical performing art that remains fresh

• Meaning of the term “Kabuki”
• All male performers
• Diverse repertoire of plays

For the audiences’ enjoyment

• Friendly interaction between the audience and actors
• How to enjoy Kabuki is up to the individual

Stage

Theatre Transformations

Various curtains for production

Characters and Actors

Characters and Costumes

• Familiarity with Characters
• Costumes
• Wigs
• Stage props

Various Kabuki Roles

• Umeomaru
• Fujiya Izaemon
• Sekibei (Otomo no Kuronushi)
• Soga no Iruka
• Kamiyui Shinza
• Sato Tadanobu (Genkurogitsune)
• Miuraya Agemaki
• Yaegakihime
• Kirare Otomi

Expressions of the Actors

• Stage names, Stage family names and Crests
• Family Arts
• Acting styles

Production and Music

Expression of Scene

• Expression of Stage set
• Dramatic techniques showing weather
• Dramatic techniques for Matsubamemono
• Expression of Makugire (end of act)

Distinctive of Expressions

• Hikinuki
• Chunori
• Tachimawari
• Roppo
• Mie
• Ningyoburi
• Kurogo

Expression by Sounds

• Geza
• Ki
• Tsuke
• Takemoto
• Nagauta
• Tokiwazu-bushi
• Kiyomoto-bushi
• Narimono

History

The Beginning

• The Kabuki-Odori
• From Onna-Kabuki to Wakashu-Kabuki
• Development of Yaro-Kabuki

Establishment

• Establishment of Aragoto
• Establishment of Wagoto
• Popularity of Gidayu-Kyogen

Development Period

• Development of the Shosagoto
• Works of Tsuruya Namboku IV
• Establishment of the Kabuki-Jyuhachiban

Successful Period

• Emergence of the Theatre Town Saruwaka-machi
• Works of Kawatake Mokuami
• Modernization of Kabuki

Classical and Modern Styles

• Popularity of a Shin-Kabuki
• Carrying on Classical Kabuki
• From Revival to Prosperitys
• Modern-day Kabuki

Plays

Kabuki Dramaturgy

Eminent Playwrights

Classifications of Plays

Leading Plays

• Aotozoshi Hana no Nishikie(The Five Thieves)
• Kawasho(The Kawasho Teahouse scene)
• Kyoganoko Musume Dojoji(The Girl at Dojoji Temple)
• Koibikyaku Yamato Orai(The Money Courier from Hell）
• Sakurahime Azuma Bunsho(The Scarlet Princesss and her story in the East)
• Sannin Kichisa Kuruwa no Hatsugai(The Thieves Named Kichisa)
• Tsumoru Koi Yuki no Sekinoto(The Snowbound Barrier)
• Tsuyu Kosode Mukashi Hachijo(Shinza, the Barber)
• Narukami (The Holy Man Narukami and Lady Taema)
• Bancho Sarayashiki(The Broken Dish)
• Heike Nyogonoshima (The Priest in Exile)
• Meiboku Sendai Hagi(The Troubles in the Date Clan)
• Momijigari(Viewing the Autumn Leaves)