Classical Japanese Cultural Dance, Essay Example

Kabuka is a classical Japanese cultural dance which stands out as one of the most entertaining Japanese classical arts. The performers, who wear elaborate make-up, are skilled at both singing and dancing. Thus, Kabuki is often viewed as a bizarre or “avant-grade” theatre in Japanese dance-drama.

Origins of Kabuki

• Kabuki was developed by a woman named Izumo around 1600.
• She was brave, artistically creative, and entrepreneurial. She developed the art as a religious ritual to legally raise money for the temple.
• The performers initially wore male clothesbut the acts gradually incorporated sexual elements which even drew men to stage. Considering the fact that some performers were prostitutes, some became concerned that the dance would lead to mass perversion of the society.
• Eventually women were banned from Kabuki and in 1652, even young boys were banned from Kabuki, leaving adult men as the only performers.
• Dressing and grooming rules also transformed over time, with Kabuki borrowing influences from Bunraku. Ultimately, Kabuki emerged as one of the most outstanding form of art as a Japanese dance-drama, with major emphasis on costumes variety.

Conventions and Important Artists

• The role of music and chanting continues to persist in Kabuki.
• Despite attempts to modernize performances, costumes and certain elements continue to adhere to traditional values.
• Women roles are usually played by men. Actors who change props or assist performers are considered non-existent and called “kurogo.”

Performance and Important Artists

• Usually performed on a revolving stage, the dance involves continuous arm and body movements. Surprise performers often make appearance through stage backdrops and doors.
• Main actors called Kamitestay on the left of the stage while secondary actors called Shimota stay on the right side.
• Famous historical performers include YoshitsuneSenbonZakura, Ichikawa Danjur?, NamikiSh?z? (1730–1773), NamikiGohei I (1747–1808), Yoshimura Yoshisabur? (1816–1893), and Okamoto Kid? (1872-1939).

Work Cited

Brandon, James R, and Martin Banham. The Cambridge Guide to Asian Theatre. Cambridge England: Cambridge University Press, 1993: 142-179. Print.