Page 21 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Tokyo

A POR TR AIT OF T OK Y O  19

Bunraku
Bunraku puppets are about 1.2 m (4 ft) tall with carved wooden
heads, movable hands, and elaborate costumes. The main
puppeteer wears traditional formal dress;
his two assistants, one on each side, are
clothed in black. Shamisen (see p151)
music accompanies the action, and a
nar rator both tells the story and speaks
all the parts. Many Kabuki plays were
Kabuki actors were popular originally written for pupp ets; Bunraku
subjects for Edo-era wood-block has in turn borrowed a number of
prints. The tradition can still be Kabuki dramas.
seen in this modern poster Bunraku puppet with his manipulator
advertising a Kabuki play.
Costumes and wigs are highly The pine trees on Kabuki stage
Stage right is where less important elaborate, indicating the status backdrops are a reference to its
characters are usually located. and personality of each character. evolution from Noh.

Kabuki Stage sets often Stage left is usually
occupied by characters of
Kabuki is flamboyant and colorful with a large incorporate special effects high rank or importance.
including trapdoors,
stage and cast. The major actors are stars, often revolving sections, and
from famous acting dynasties. Elaborate make-up overhead cables for flying.
replaced Noh masks, and a curtain allowed set
changes. The musicians and chorus sit behind The hanamichi
screens on either side or on stage. (flower path) is a
raised walkway
running from the
stage right through
the audience and is
used for dramatic
entrances and exits.

Although Kabuki was
Aragoto, or “rough-style” acting, founded by a woman,
is used in certain plays by male Izumo no Okuni, female actors
characters who move in exaggerated, were soon banned as immoral.
choreographed ways and wear stylized All actors are now male, and
makeup. Eye and facial movements are female roles are played by
crucial to an actor’s success. highly skilled onnagata.

018-019_EW_Tokyo.indd 19 12/09/16 11:27 am