What do you think?
Rate this book
Kabuki Today
Kabuki traces its origins to exactly the same era as Shakespeare. As the legendary Izumo no Okuni was entertaining spectators with her "kabuki dance revue" in Koyto, Shakespeare's four great tragedies were opening in rapid succession in London.
The art of Kabuki was never intended to mirror life but to be something more grandiose, more spectacular. Kabuki unashamedly makes use of the crudest as well as the most subtle theatrical devices to achieve its ends. The magnificence of the scenery, the costumes, and the music are devised to excite
even the most jaded theatergoer.
With an introduction by Donald Keene explaining the Kabuki Theater and an informative commentary by Kabuki literati Iwao Kamimura, Kabuki Today captures the essence of Kabuki its characteristics, tradition, principal stage features, makeup and costumes, stories, characters, outstanding actors, dance
and music, and ongoing growth.
Including beautiful photographs by Shunji Ohkura, a devoted follower of the art for over thirty years, Kabuki Today is a visual marvel sure to thrill Kabuki enthusiasts, as well as those who have never experienced its magic firsthand.
The art of Kabuki was never intended to mirror life but to be something more grandiose, more spectacular. Kabuki unashamedly makes use of the crudest as well as the most subtle theatrical devices to achieve its ends. The magnificence of the scenery, the costumes, and the music are devised to excite
even the most jaded theatergoer.
With an introduction by Donald Keene explaining the Kabuki Theater and an informative commentary by Kabuki literati Iwao Kamimura, Kabuki Today captures the essence of Kabuki its characteristics, tradition, principal stage features, makeup and costumes, stories, characters, outstanding actors, dance
and music, and ongoing growth.
Including beautiful photographs by Shunji Ohkura, a devoted follower of the art for over thirty years, Kabuki Today is a visual marvel sure to thrill Kabuki enthusiasts, as well as those who have never experienced its magic firsthand.
192 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2001
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 of 1 review
December 6, 2019
A good general overview of the history and current state of Kabuki, with lots of great photos.
Displaying 1 of 1 review