Kabuki Theater Essay

Kabuki Theater is quite different when compared to other types of theater. Its distinctive yet traditional traits are what make it so different. It is also a very traditional form of theater. Kabuki Theater in the 14th century was largely influenced by the events happening in Japan, is shown thrown the play Migawari Zazen.

In the 14th century, Japan existed in the Muromachi Period (Genji). The Muromachi Period was approximately from 1337-1573. There was also the Meiji Restoration. This occurred in 1868 (Scott 34). The Meiji Restoration was the passing of feudal order and abolishment of the segregation of the theater in special quarters (Scott 34). Zen Buddhism played a large role in spreading not only religious but also artistic influences in the theater (Genji).

Kabuki Theater in one of four main types of traditional theater in Japan (“Japanese”). The four types are Noh, Kyogen, Kabuki, and Bunraku (“Japanese”). This theater combines drama, dance, and music. It is also the most well-known form of Japanese theater around the world (“Japanese”). It is a very lively type of theater. Until 1680, plays used real swords as their props (“Japanese”). The art of Kabuki was created in opposition to the Noh Theater (“Japanese”). Common things in Kabuki Theater are sword fights and wild costumes (“Japanese”). Men would sometimes play the women’s roles (Bayley). The eerily beautiful effects of Kabuki derive from the deeply traditional aspects (Bayley). These aspects include a combination of dancing, acting, music, and elaborate costumes and scenery (Bayley). Early Kabuki borrowed aspects from other theatrical forms to create their own traditions (Bayley). Borrowed some aspects form Noh theater and...

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... going to observe Buddhist vigil. Buddhist vigil is when an individual sits alone in a chamber holding a heavy cloak over his/her head to obscure the face (Scott 213). Yamakage leaves his servant Kaja Taro as a substitute and goes to his rendezvous. His wife discovers his trick and then takes the place of his servant. When Yamakage returns and tells what he was doing to his “servant”, not knowing that it is actually his wife. Unable to control her rage, she chases him off the stage and that is how the play ends.

There are few similarities between Kabuki Theater in the 14th century and present day kabuki. The Broadway productions of it do not stray too far from its traditions. Although, Broadway shows do not have the same wide appeal or influence. On Broadway, the lighting was atmospheric and almost gloomy like in the 14th century (Hornby 519).