concepts, in which a moral or ethical principle is offered to illustrate righteous behavior
(Sosnoski 28). Its origins can be traced back to the Tang dynasty in China, 1,000 years ago,
but the traditional Noh which developed is most common today was developed in the
fourteenth century under the patronage of the Ashikaga shogun. Noh is presently an officially
protected and encouraged classical art. The emphasis of the performances of these masked
actors is to pass beyond the everyday world in to a realm of surreal.
Overflowing with abstract symbolism, Noh reveals characteristics of a Japanese
aesthetic consciousness rich in elegance
and subttlety (Beauty 44). Noh kyogen, or more simply, kyogen is a different form of drama
related to the classical noh, featuring amusing dialogues/monologues about human faults or
shortcomings in everyday life. Kyogen literally means “crazy talk”, and was also developed
during the fourteenth century. Although modern Japan seems to enjoy both noh and kyogen,
audiences tend to get increasingly older, as youngsters turn to movies, television, disco dancing,
and other pastimes for their entertainment.
Kabuki has
long been the classical theater of Japan, with the use of exaggerated gestures,
face makeup, colorful costumes, and elaborate sets. Kabuki origianally
meant “out of the ordinary” and to this day, Kabuki continues to give audiences
a sense of the extraordinary. Interestingly, the first Kabuki plays
were not plays, but rather exotic dances performed in front of male audiences.
In 1629, the shogunate banned all forms of female Kabuki performances.
In reaction, young boys took the place of women and were also forbidden
to perform in 1952. However, “youth” Kabuki returned because of public
demand, nut with several changes. Not only did the young boys have
to shave the front parts of their heads (like adult males), they were not
aloud to sing or dance.
These requirements and demands forced them to act rather than dance.
Males continue to be the only actors of Kabuki in modern Japan, as women
do not appear at all During the Genroku era (1688-1704), Kabuki became
an increasingly popular form of theater, while roles and plots became more
complicated and serious, emphasizing dramatic talent. It was also
during this period that Monzaemon Chikamatsu, who spent his entire life
cultivating Kabuki as an art form lived. He is known as Japan’s greatest
playwright, and is often referred to as the “Shakespeare of Japan.”
Probably the main identifying mark of Kabuki is the exotic red makeup used
to symbolize bravery. For most, Kabuki drama is a once-in-a-lifetime
experience that they will never forget.