Written by: Monica Souza
All images from Google
I remember the four to six hour training sessions. I remember my muscles aching. Having to repeat the same thing over and over until approval was met. Was my foot in the right position? Was my back straight? Were my hands in the correct form? Six months of this training. It was not for a martial arts, or a dance. It was for theatre, Japanese theatre. When my high school held auditions for a Kabuki play I was excited. Only I had no idea that learning the basics of Kabuki would be so strenuous. It is an extremely strict art form. Kabuki is a traditional Japanese form of theatre combining song, dance, and skill. To truly learn about Kabuki one must learn of its history, the process and see how it has changed today.
According to the encyclopedia britannica, In Japanese history a woman named Okuni formed her own theatre troupe. It was composed of women. They became popular because their performances were tailored to the audience of townspeople. The women were dancers and due to the types of dances and supposed prostitution of the actresses the government banned women from performing Kabuki in 1629. From that point on the men took on the female roles and started to translate historical events to the stage. Kabuki was considered for the townspeople and the farmers. Samurai and higher class citizens preferred Noh or Bugaku theatre. Kabuki was considered unorthodox with its bright colors, songs and dances. The government decided to ban Kabuki entirely in 1652. IT was, however, able to make a comeback by sneaking comedic Kabuki scenes in between Noh performances.
According to the encyclopedia britannica, In Japanese history a woman named Okuni formed her own theatre troupe. It was composed of women. They became popular because their performances were tailored to the audience of townspeople. The women were dancers and due to the types of dances and supposed prostitution of the actresses the government banned women from performing Kabuki in 1629. From that point on the men took on the female roles and started to translate historical events to the stage. Kabuki was considered for the townspeople and the farmers. Samurai and higher class citizens preferred Noh or Bugaku theatre. Kabuki was considered unorthodox with its bright colors, songs and dances. The government decided to ban Kabuki entirely in 1652. IT was, however, able to make a comeback by sneaking comedic Kabuki scenes in between Noh performances.
The Statue of Okuni on the banks of the Kamo river in Kyoto - Image from Wikipedia.
The Kanji used to write the word Kabuki are composed of the characters “Ka” for Song, “Bu” for dance, and “Ki” for skill.
The process of Kabuki is very precise in positioning. Because the men had to learn to portray the female characters they introduced stock characters. These characters are the basics. For example, A female of no status. The way to portray her would to be as ‘small’ as possible. Fingers are close together like a barbie doll. Always have your mouth covered when speaking. Eyes looking down. She would have a soft and not much range of pitch in her voice. All forms for each character have bent knees. The idea was that everyone would relatively look the same height. This means a good workout for thigh muscles.
Another example would be an important warrior. The actor would want to be ‘big’ and take up space. Their legs would be apart, still bent, and fingers apart. Their eyes would be wide and their voice loud and strong. Each move quick and precise. They may even show their importance by showing the range of their voice.
Another example would be a child. Children do not know much about anything yet so the child can take up space, footsteps may be unsure. Voice is monotone and they take breaths in the middle of words to show again how young and unknowing they are. Their hands may be out and open. In all of these characters the slight tilt may mean something about the character. It is very important to be in control of the entire body. The fact that a male could be any character emphasises the point that the body movements and voice need to be on point and precise. This is a very tiring process. Most Kabuki plays would be from the morning till evening. The theatre would sell food during mealtimes. Most people would go to see a scene or two instead of spending the entire day at the theatre.
Image from : Japan Guide
The stage consists of the main stage and a runway into the audience called “Hanamichi”. Kabuki actors address the audience to ask questions or get specific reactions to make the audience feel like a part of the play. The sets are very colorful and artistic. The Japanese like the idea that if you were to take a snapshot at any point of the play it would look like a beautiful painting. The stage also would have many levels to make the show more aesthetically pleasing. The costumes are very elaborate and colorful as well. The makeup is packed on, first with a base of white then the make up according to character. Facial expressions are very important as well to the different characters. All in all Kabuki requires a lot of dedication.
Now a days, Kabuki is about 4 hours long. The national theatre in Tokyo has Kabuki Performances going on. They try to keep the traditional forms and stories. It requires many years to become a professional Kabuki actor. Most people are born into a family that does Kabuki. Now they have play houses that are willing to train people in Kabuki. The actors are a majority men but there are females as well.
Song, dance, and skill are what it takes to make a great Kabuki play. This traditional form still practiced today is taken very seriously by the Japanese. Considering the government even got involved, not once but twice. Kabuki is a traditional Japanese form of theatre combining song, dance, and skill. I hope you too can experience the magic of a Kabuki play one day.