Kabuki Theater: A Guide on How to Book Tickets, Best Time to See It, and More! (2024)

FAQs

Is it worth seeing Kabuki in Japan? ›

If you're planning to visit Japan and are eager to learn about its vast cultural heritage, then you should definitely include at least one Kabuki performance on your travel itinerary. The traditional dance-drama is one of the three major classical Japanese theaters, alongside noh and bunraku.

Kabuki is performed seven days a week. What class of ticket do you want to buy? Prices range from around $200 per seat for the very best seats on the first floor and some choice seats on the second floor, down to around $25 per seat for the third tier.

Formal dress code is not required when attending a kabuki play, although decent dress and footwear are recommended. Sometimes, often on the first day of a run, some ladies may attend the show dressed in traditional kimono.

The duration of the performances depends on the acts and the content. However, usually they run for approximately 4 hours each for the Matinee and the Evening Show. If you prefer to watch from a Single Act Seat, kabuki dances and short dramas last about 30 minutes to１hour, while long dramas last about 1 to 2 hours.

Viewing manners. There is no dress code for the theatre. You should be in your seat before the performance starts, and avoid entering and leaving the theatre during the performance. It is important that you refrain from speaking or making any noise, and do not bother the other members of the audience.

This led the shogunate and feudal domain to enforce stricter regulations on the performances, and eventually ban onna-kabuki for the reason of it corrupting public morals. Subsequently, wakashu-kabuki (young men's Kabuki), which was also being performed at the time, started to gain popularity.

Kabuki plays are about historical events and moral conflict in relationships of the heart. The actors speak in a monotone voice and are accompanied by traditional instruments. The Kabuki stage is equipped with several gadgets, such as revolving stages and trapdoors through which the actors can appear and disappear.

Nearly every full-length play occupies five acts. The first corresponds to jo, an auspicious and slow opening which introduces the audience to the characters and the plot.

Originally, both men and women acted in Kabuki plays, but eventually only male actors performed the plays: a tradition that has remained to the present day. Male actors specialized in women's roles are called onnagata. Two other major role types are aragoto (rough style) and wagoto (soft style).

Kabuki can be enjoyed with a single act or an entire performance. The set design, stage, and colorful backdrops are complicated and intricate. Audience members are often impressed by the kakegoe, a distinctive vocal call; some spectators call out to the actors, bringing the viewer closer to the performer.

Are there female Kabuki? ›

There are many remarkable features of kabuki, and the existence of onnagata, the specialists in female roles is one of them. In order to preserve itself, kabuki had to adapt throughout its long history, and since a law was passed in 1629 no real women have appeared on stage.

Onnagata kabuki remains today a traditional, all-male art. It is vibrant and expressive and still does exclude women but remains a place for open discussion about gender identity and expression both in kabuki theatre of the present as well as the past.

Kabuki master Shozo Sato applies makeup to actor Michael Goldberg as he discuss- es about how makeup is applied and how colors and lines help suggest character. In Kabuki theater, makeup is used to express a character's personality.

We only stayed for one act but well worth it! If you've never experienced Kabuki you should. Didn't understand a single word but it was just so enjoyable. We did a "standing" ticket so reservations were not necessary but get there early so you can get a seat even in the SRO area.

Kabuki Definition

Ka means "sing." Bu means "dance." Ki means "skill." The direct translation is the skill of singing and dancing. The generally accepted definition of kabuki is the art of singing and dancing.

Kyoto is regarded as the birthplace of kabuki drama. If you are fortunate enough to be in Kyoto when a kabuki show is on, you should definitely experience this lively extravaganza of drama, music and colorful spectacle.

role of Izumo Okuni

The popularity of onna (“women's”) Kabuki remained high until women's participation was officially banned in 1629 by the shogun (military ruler) Tokugawa Iemitsu, who thought that the sensuality of the dances had a deleterious effect on public morality.

Answer: The Jo, or first act, was a slow opening, introducing the characters and the story. The Ha, or acts 2-4, sped up the action leading to a great dramatic moment or tragedy in act 3, with battles being common in acts 2 or 4. Finally, the Kyu, or act five, wrapped up the story in a quick and satisfying conclusion.

Kabuki is a popular entertainment and the actors and audience become very close. To prove it, some audience members shout out during the plays or dances as applause and encouragement to the actors. This traditional practice, called kakegoe, adds a lot to the atmosphere.

Much of the appeal of kabuki in this era was due to the ribald, suggestive themes featured by many troupes; this appeal was further augmented by the fact that many performers were also involved in prostitution. For this reason, kabuki was also known as 'prostitute kabuki' (遊女歌舞妓) during this period.

What can I expect from Kabuki? ›

However, Kabuki has countless creative ways to entertain the audience, such as a highly diverse repertoire of plays, captivating performances and gorgeous dances, beautiful music and vivid costumes, and the skilful use of stage props. You can surely find your own way to enjoy Kabuki among its many exciting elements.

Today, 'kabuki' is recognized internationally as one of Japan's great performing arts.

Kabuki dance is probably the best-known feature of Kabuki. Rarely is an opportunity missed to insert dancing, whether the restrained, flowing movement of the onnagata or the exaggerated posturings of the male characters. The acting in Kabuki can be so stylized that it becomes virtually indistinguishable from dancing.