Kabuki Drama

First published in 2006. Kabuki is the most popular form of Japanese traditional theatre. More fast-moving than Noh, it is a colourful and exciting spectacle based around traditional, historical and mythic narratives, many of which involve the code of the samurai. A recurrent theme is the ethical ideal of the samurai who gives up his life for his lord and his country, and the actors who take on the roles of handsome young samurai enjoy large and enthusiastic followings. Kabuki plays are set in the feudal samurai era, and the actors wear dramatic makeup and costumes and engage in wonderfully choreographed swordplay. A feature of traditional Kabuki is that all the female roles are played by men known as onnagata. This is a fine brief introduction to a highly enjoyable art form.