Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Don't Miss
The Actors
Kabuki actors train from childhood and descendants of the great Edo-era actors
still grace the stage, as sons follow their fathers into the
yago
(kabuki acting
house). These stars enjoy a celebrity on par with screen actors; some have earned
the status of 'living treasure'. Only men appear in kabuki, and actors who special-
ise in portraying women are called
onnagata
.
The Fans
At pivotal moments enthusiastic fans shout out the name of the
yago
of the actor
- an act called
kakegoe
.
The Plays
During several centuries, kabuki has developed a repertoire of popular themes,
such as famous historical accounts, the conflict between love and loyalty and stor-
ies of love-suicide. A full kabuki performance comprises of several acts, usually
from different plays, so you should get a sampling of various themes and styles.
The Visual Impact
There is no pretense of reality in kabuki; it's ruled by aesthetics and plays to the
senses rather than the intellect. Kabuki has been likened to a moving wood-block
print, and when the actors pause in dramatic poses - called
mie
- the whole stage
really does look fit to be framed.
The Stage Design
The kabuki stage employs a number of unique devices, such as the
hanamichi
(the
walkway that extends into the audience), which is used for dramatic entrances and
exits. Naturally the best seats are those that line the
hanamichi
.
