Kabuki Drama: Beyond the Acting

The stylized theatre found in Japan that incorporates drama, dance, and song is known as Kabuki. This traditional theatre has been a part of the Japanese culture since its first performance in 1596 and most active when Japan passed into the modern age (Powell 4). The theatre has inspired all Japanese art forms. Since “dance is very important in kabuki theatre” (Nettl 117), it seems only natural that there also is music in kabuki performance. Bruno Nettl mentions as a universal of music, “everywhere, dance is accompanied by musical sound” (9). The music of Kabuki can be further examined by studying the behavior of how it is produced and consumed, the conception of its role in Japanese culture and the sound of the music.

Kabuki is often thought to be delightful to the eye but it is also delightful to the ear. Not only by its subtle and complex dialogue, but by a “combination of partly chanted speeches, music, natural sounds, and stage clappers, all helping to build up the total theatrical effect” (Powell 4). Kabuki does not only emphasis acting. It includes and emphasizes the combination of acting with song and dance. Without the sound part of the drama, it would be severely lacking an element that brings the music to lif

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It is shallow and barrel shaped with two heads and it sits on a stand.

The music has a distinct sound. The music gives the cue for the actor’s entrance and exit. The long-necked, three string lute known as the shamisen is a principle part of kabuki music.

Music and dance are a part of Kabuki theatre because kabuki intended to portray life through art and artfulness. It primarily served as “a vehicle for words and literature” (Nettl 136). Throughout time music has been a part of entertainment, religion, and court music, but theatrical music seems to have been the most important of musical genres. The ko-tsuzume is an hourglass shaped drum with 2 heads. e and changes the dynamics of the show. The music that accompanies kabuki drama, needs to be studied not only by the sound, but by the behavior in which music is created and the concept it has in society. The degayashi are a group of musicians who come out on stage as needed to accompany an actor singing or dancing. Today however, the drama does not depict contemporary life of Japan. The music continues to become intense and rush to the end during the chirasli section.

Music has been a part of these Japanese traditions since ancient times. After this lyrical romantic section, dance appears in the taiko ji.

Approximate Word count = 1334
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)

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