Monday, June 2, 2008

Kabuki Theater: No women (players) allowed!


Kabuki is a traditional style of Japanese theater. It uses very theatrical make-up and elaborate costumes (more on the make-up in tomorrow's post!). The plays can be pretty long. At certain points in the action, the actors will sometimes freeze in a dramatic pose. At this moment it is not unusual for knowledgeable audience members to call out the name of their favorite actor (and sometimes the actor's father). What is unusual is that traditionally women are not allowed to perform in Kabuki. Instead, female impersonators play those roles.

I'm wondering if I'll see any kabuki in Japan and if I can sit through a three hour play without understanding a word of what they are saying. Although they are frequently accompanied by traditional Japanese instruments, which would be very interesting.

STAY TUNED TO TOMORROW'S POST (JUNE 2) and vote for your favorite Paulding Kabuki make-up artist.

Photo: A postage stamp from India

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hello Mr. Lahr,

Good to be first again. It seems pretty cool. I wish I got to see some of those plays. Anyway, I hope you get your chance to see some of them and enjoy the experience!

Your EPIC Student,
Akash Salam
Ultimate Math Matician

Anonymous said...

What? No women? And make actors play the part of women? NO FAIR!!!

Anonymous said...

ching ching chong mr lahr. do u no that only 69% of japs have seen cheese

Anonymous said...

hey mr lahr. how is japan i hope you have fun in japan..




from elijah

Anonymous said...

Hey Mr.Lahr
I hope you have fun in china!!!!!!!!!! YOU should go to pANDA Express!!!!!

Anonymous said...

WATCH OUT 4 GODZILLA

Anonymous said...

Dear Mr.Lahr,
I like the 4th one and i think that you should paint your face like that when you are in japan! Have you met any friends yet? What is thier favorite foods??? haha! peace!

xoCIGARS.com said...

I love Kabuki theater and recently I have collected my Kabuki theater dance dress from at PIJ. Now I take decision to collect kabuki mask from there too. Its really amazing.
http://bit.ly/X9c7YE