Kabuki: Japanese Theater

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses the form of Asian art called Kabuki, a stage performance style art. Before the age of recording devices, this art could only be experienced first hand, and every piece was different, even though it may be performed over and over again. Through this paper, one takes a look at Kabuki from it origins to its existence in modern day Japan, as well as its influence on Western theatre. The paper also includes many pictures of Kabuki theater actors and performances.

From the Paper:

"Kabuki today has even harder competition than puppets and government oppression. Kabuki has survived the loss of its finest actors in WWII and also made it through censorship shortly after the war. But today it faces modern forms of theatrical entertainment in movies and television. Kabuki still holds root though as being a part of japans heritage, and still finds a place in the hearts of the older population. A lot of the key factors, which make the kabuki so great, are less known now, and because it is more of the old ways younger people are not as open to the kabuki. It is said that kabuki is stabilized in a near perfect state, and for that reason it will continue to stand the test of time and keeps its place in japans heritage. Despite the odds against the kabuki, popular actors continue to bring in audiences including a growing number of young people."

Sample of Sources Used:

• "Theater: in Asia: Japan." New Standard Encyclopedia. Vol.15.
• "KABUKI: Traditional Theatrical Arts" International Information Systems. University of Texas. http://asnic.utexas.edu/asnic/countries/japan/kabuki.html
• "Japanese Drama," Microsoft Encarta Encyclopedia 2004, 1997-2004 Microsoft Corporation
• Scott, A.C. The Kabuki Theatre of Japan. Allen & Unwin 1955
• http://www.amphi.com/~psteffen/fmf/kabuki.html

More papers on Kabuki: Japanese Theater:

• Essay # 39738 : "Japanese Theater"
• Essay # 57164 : "Kabuki and American Theater"
• Essay # 42508 : "Traditional Japanese Theatre"

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