Kabuki Theater:

Part II

The actors who play female

roles are known as onnagata
or oyama
Make of the great Kabuki actors
have built their reputation
solely on these roles

The performances are not so much

acting in the Western sense as
stylized representations of female
beauty or virtue

Until 1868 onnagata were required

to maintain their feminine persona
in their private lives

Kabuki is performed on a
large, revolving stage
Kabuki has familiar stage
devices such as scenic
backdrops and trap doors for
surprise entrances

Where performers are

placed based on their
character
High-ranking characters are often placed on
stage left (kamite)
Low-ranking characters are placed stage right
(shimote)
Actors perform forms where they freeze frame
in a specific position to represent their
character

An example of one of these

forms, or kata, is the mie
Mie is when a performer
strikes an attitude with ones
eyes crossed and an
exaggerated expression for
dramatic effect

Male characters perform in a

rough style of acting known as
aragoto
Common male characters in
Kabuki:
Handsome Lover
Virtuous Hero
Evil Samurai

Traditional Kabuki is highly

melodramatic but strictly
historical
Similar to Shakespeare plays,
the old stories and characters
are familiar to audience
members

 Many of these classic stories have been turned

into popular films or television shows
In November 2005 UNESCO (United Nations
Eduactional, Scientific and Cultural
Organization) announced its decision to
designate Kabuki as one of the masterpieces
of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of
Humanity

Your Task
Go to the class website
www.humiitheaterproduction.weebly.com
Review the Noh Theater and Kabuki
Presentations
Choose which type of Japanese Theater you will
focus on for your independent project
Review Independent Project List for either Noh
or Kabuki
Do further research to begin your journey!