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Kabuki

Dramatic Genres

Kabuki is a classical form of Japanese theatre that mixes dramatic performance with traditional dance, known for its heavily stylized performances, its glamorous and highly decorated costumes, and the elaborate kumadori make-up worn by some of its performers.

Facts
Place of Origin
Japan; kabuki began in Kyoto in 1603, in the early Edo period, when Izumo no Okuni formed a female dance troupe that performed dances and light sketches there. 1
Notable Example
Kanadehon Chushingura (Treasury of Loyal Retainers), the famous story of the forty-seven ronin who avenge their lord before taking their own lives. 1
Defining Trait
Kabuki theatre is known for its heavily stylized performances, its glamorous, highly decorated costumes, and its elaborate kumadori make-up worn by some performers. 1
Connections

Form Of Genre

Drama, Genres
Sources
1. Kabuki (Wikipedia)
Wikimedia Foundation (Wikipedia)
  • Lead section
    Kabuki is thought to have originated in the early Edo period, when the art's founder, Izumo no Okuni, formed a female dance troupe that performed dances and light sketches in Kyoto.
  • Style overview section
    Kabuki theatre is known for its heavily stylised performances, its glamorous, highly decorated costumes, and for the elaborate kumadori make-up worn by some of its performers.
  • Notable plays section
    Kanadehon Chūshingura (Treasury of Loyal Retainers) is the famous story of the forty-seven rōnin, led by Oishi Kuranosuke, who exact revenge on their enemy before committing suicide upon the death of their master.
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