tour 1 of 24
Kabuki theatre of Japan
Kabuki Theatre of Japan
Kabuki, the popular theatre of Japan, has
captured the hearts and minds of audiences from its appearance at
the beginning of the seventeenth century to the present day. Plays
range from realistic tragic dramas to fantastic adventure stories.
Music and dance are skilfully employed, bringing to life characters
from the Japanese past, both real and imaginary. Impressive
costumes and make-up, and startling stage effects add to the
drama.
All the actors in
Kabuki are men, playing the roles of warriors and thieves as well
as respectable ladies and low-class prostitutes. They have always
been worshipped by an adoring public and at critical moments during
the long performances the audience participate by shouting out the
names of their favourite actors. In the past, fan clubs were set up
and many people collected the prints and other memorabilia produced
in celebration of their favourite
actor.
This tour explores
Kabuki from its historical beginnings to the impact it has had on
contemporary culture. Japanese prints and photographs from the
collections of the British Museum have been used to illustrate the
themes of acting styles, music and dance, theatre and audiences,
make-up and costume.
The
tour also examines two great Kabuki actors - Rikan and Shikan - who
performed in Osaka during the late eighteenth and early nineteenth
centuries. Their famous rivalry was the focus of the exhibition
Kabuki Heroes on the Osaka Stage
1780-1830, at the British Museum from 30
June to 11 September 2005.