TRADITIONAL PERFORMING ARTS:KABUKI: Evolved from NOH, the history of this famous Japanese drama form goes back to about 1603 when Okuni, a court maiden of the Izumi Shrine, performed a religious dance while chanting a prayer in Kyoto. However, Kabuki performances by women were banned & became dramas played only by men.
An actor who plays a woman's part is called '
onnagata'.
Kumadori is a technical word for the special exaggerated make-up of kabuki based on traditional rules with red representing justice & indigo blue representing evil.
This drama form is compared with opera, as its stories are expressed through stylized singing & dancing.
BUNRAKU: A puppet theater, it became popular in the 17th century. A '
tayu' or narrator recites the story to accompaniment of
shamisen, a stringed musical instrument, & a puppet manipulated by 3 puppeteers moves to his recitation.
Most dramas were written by Chikamatsu Monzaemon in the Edo period. Even the most delicate human feelings are skillfully expressed.
NOH: A stylized musical drama form, Noh has been handed down since about 14th century. It originated from Shinto rites. Singers narrate the story while the '
***e', or chief actor & '
waki' or secondary actors, perform.
The actors wear lacquered masks & express every human emotion such as love, jealousy & hate with a measured miniumum of movement.
KYOGEN: Evolved from comic interludes. Its characters highlight human weakness & frailties. Costumes are simple & no mask are used.
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on Nov 24, 2002
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