Kabuki

Video notes:
Colorful, traditional japanese (mount fuji, Japanese blossom trees) and elaborate setting
Traditional story 
Traditional Japanese instruments
Use of voices, sounds
Music dominating opening 
Musicians are on their knees
Unique characters rise from the stage, elaborate and detailed costumes
4 distinctive characters with their own specific costumes and props, each with a specific way of movement
Symbolic dance like movements
Set ways of movement and expressing themselves
Originated in the Edo period
Female role is played by a man, overly exaggerated, element of humor
Handmade hair costumes
Mie, the moment the actor holds a specific position that explains the character
White face make up, provides an element of style that is easily recognizable 
Both men and women act in Kabuki, but then banned women from performing in 1629
Onnagata -> men playing women roles
Actors speak in monotone voice, focus on movement
About historical events and moral conflicts about love and relationships 
Humor
The stage are equipped many designs including trapped doors, and revolving stages 


About:
It is a traditional Japanese well known drama with singing and dancing performed in a very stylized way. The term Kabuki first suggested the unconventional and shocking character of this art form. 

History:
Kabuki originated from the starting of the 17th century, when a female dancer gained popularity with parodies of Buddhist prays. The sensuous character of the dances was considered too disruptive for the government, so women were banned from performing in 1629, then young boys dressed as women and performed but this was then suppressed in 1652, due to morals once again. So finally older men overtook the roles and is now an all-male entertainment that is still the same to the present day. The art form grew in sophistication and the acting became more subtle. 

By the 18th century Kabuki became an established art form that varied from serious, dramatic presentations of genuinely moving situations. Kabuki became the theatre of the townspeople and farmers. The strongest ties to Kabuki are to Noh and jōruri, the puppet theatre that began during the 17th century. Much of its material was derived from Noh, and then parodied Kyōgen. In this period the onnagata emerged to play the femal roles, they usually became the most popular of their day.


The Audience:
Initially a there was a constant interaction between the actors and the audience in Kabuki theatre. The actors regularly interrupted the performance to address the audience, and the ending responded with appropriate praise or clapping according to a specific formula. The audience were also allowed to shout out the names of their favorite characters during the performance.

Since these performances ran from the morning to night, many people usually attended a single play or scene, there was a constant entering and exiting the theatre. During mealtimes food was provided to the spectators. The performances included themes and customs that reflected the 4 seasons or included material from contemporary events. The Kabuki performers regularly intruded on the audience. 


Subject, Purpose, and Conventions:
The subject matter creates a contrast between the historical play and the domestic play. The performance usually presents them in order, separated by one or two dance plays involving ghosts, rich prostitutes, and other exotic creatures. The performance concludes with a lively dance with a large cast. 

Kabuki dance is considered the most popular feature of Kabuki. An opportunity to include dancing is rarely missed, whether it be restrained, flowing movement of the onnagata or the exaggerated postures of the male characters. The acting can be so stylized that it becomes almost identical to dancing.   

Regular performances are now held at the National Theatre in Tokyo. The theatre stresses the significance of the performance itself, trying to maintain the historical tradition and to maintain Kabuki as a classical form.


Costumes:
The costumes are generally extravagant, lavish and colorful, complimenting the flamboyance of the performance. The costumes and accessories allow viewers to understand the traditional heritage of Kabuki, as well as the art of Kabuki that is performed today.


Musical instruments:
There are 3 types of instruments used, percussion instruments, stringed instruments and wind instruments (flutes). 


Drums:

There are two types of drums used in Kabuki, the smaller kotsuzumi and the larger otsuzumi. The kotsuzumi is held on the right shoulder and the player controls the tone by squeezing the laces. The otsuzumi is held on the left thigh.



Stringed instruments:

The shamisen is a 3 string lute, and varies from 1.1 - 1.4 meters, popularly used in the Edo period (1600-1868) and was used for the musical accompaniment in Kabuki performances. Kabuki developed into its own form of dance music, the nagauta or long song. They are made of wood and silk.

Flutes:

The shakuhachi bamboo flute, con
tains 4-5 finger holes on the front face and a thumb hole on the rear. It became associated with wandering Buddhist priests, they played them as a spiritual discipline and during the Edo period they were able to play the instrument.


Trying out some conventions of Kabuki:

References:
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/evelyne-politanoff/the-art-of-japanese-kabuki_b_1401040.html
https://www.japan-zone.com/culture/instrument.shtml
https://www.britannica.com/art/Kabuki