"Kabuki" (1) "Kabuki", another unique form of Japanese performance art, has been
a tradition for more than 400 years. In Edo period, while "Noh" was reserved for the pleasure of samurai ranks, "Kabuki" became popular forms of theatre for the masses. The etymology of Kabuki originates from the word "Kabuku" which means to wear strange and unusual clothes. Those who put such strange clothes on were called "Kabuki-mono". In 1603 at the grounds of shrine in Kyoto, one woman named "O-kuni" who had lived in Izumo (= current Shimane prefecture) fascinated people by her dance wearing men's clothes. It is said that this is origin of "Kabuki". At that time it was an unusual event but became very popular among the common folks. However, since prostitutes followed this performance, the government prohibited the display for the reason of the corruption of public morals. Then people made 13 -14 year-old boys put on their make-up such as beautiful lady and dance in front of the masses, but this was later prohibited as well. At last the government announced officially that the actors should only be adult men. At this time, the new style of performance "Onna-gata" showed up where adult men actors performed the role of women and this was called "Yarou-Kabuki". Great kabuki actors lived and behaved as womanly as possible in daily life, studied how to act more feminine and studied women's gesture in detail. After that Kabuki was established as a form of theater. Through the influence of Ningyo-Joururi, Kabuki has developed to become a monumental art that united dancing, music and theatre arts. The more classical and older the history of performance art is, the stricter and more disciplined the institutions and rules to maintain the tradition. The world of Kabuki has strict social institution as well. With the exception of an actor who comes from a distinguished family, any actor cannot get a leading part even if they trained hard. While an actor of distinguished family may have a promised future, they are not able to spend a normal childhood as they are laden with daily learning and dancing lessons, playing the shamisen, or practicing gidayu (=narration) constantly. The world of Kabuki is also referred to as "Ri-en" just as the world of sumo is referred to "Kakkai" in traditional terms. The etymology of "Ri-en" originates from China, "Ri" means pear, "en" means garden in Japanese. In Tang period, Emperor Tong Xuanzong (685- 762) who had married a rare beauty Lady Yang (719-756) taught music to pupils in the pear fields within a court. To be continued... |
