KABUKI

• KABUKI THEATER- is a form of traditional Japanese drama with highly stylized mime and dance, now performed only by male actors.
• • is believed to derive from the verb kabuku, meaning "to lean" or "to be out of ordinary, * kabuki can be "bizarre theater.
• 1. Hanamichi- a flower path, a walkway which extends into audience via which dramatic entrances and exits are made.
• 1. Kogakudo- kabuki theaters that have stages both in front of the audience and along the sides help create a bond between the actors and viewers.
• 1. Mawaro butal- the interior of the theater contains a revolving stage.
• 1. Suppon- a platform that rises from below the stage.
• 1. Hanamicho- a walkway that cuts through the audience seating area to connect the stage with the back of the theater.
• Hero characters of Kabuki is Onna-gata role and Aragoto role
• Make up is also one of the most iconic parts of Kabuki.
• Red and blue are usually aragoto roles, onna-gata playing young women have very little paint.
• Rice powder is used to create the white oshiroi base for the characteristic stage makeup.
• Kumadori enhances or exaggerates facial lines to produce dramatic animal or supernatural character.
• Red lines- used to indicate passion, heroism, righteousness and other positive traits
•  Pink- for youthful joy
• • Light blue- for an even temper
• • Pale green- for peacefulness
• Blue or black- for villainly, jealousy, and other negative traits
• • Green- for the supernatural
• • Purple- for nobility
• Kabuki Occupies Five Acts:

  1. Jo- an auspicious and slow opening which introduces the audience to the characters and the plot.
  2. Ha- speeding events up,
  3. Culminating almost always in a great moment of drama or tragedy
  4. Battle in the fourth acts
  5. Kyu- is almost always, short, providing a quick and satisfying conclusion.
• 1. Flowing water- is usually represented by fluttering rolls of linen; or creatures like insects and foxes.
• 1. Fans- are used to symbolize wind, a sword, a tobacco pipe, waves or food.
• 1. Black hooded robesso- they are invisible to the audience.
• 1. Kimono and obi- the female characters generally wear this elaborate costume.
• 1. Pleated hakuma trousers-are worn by characters of sexes.
• Costume changing is considered as an art.
• Wigs are important accessories, with each costume having its own type. Specialized craftsmen shape the wigs to the head. Wigs are made of human hair, horse hair, bear fur, or yak-tail hair imported from Tibet.