On the 10th of June, I was watching the
Kabuki perfomances at Sadler's Wells. This is my first time watch the Japanese opera. It was played by
all male artist. The Kabuki perfomance is very different with the western opera. In European opera, the artist tend to enhance the singing and the music. Whereas in Kabuki, they don't sing or talk much, sometimes they shouting, but mostly they enhance the koto (Japanese instrument) play and the dance.
And off course like any other cultural play, Kabuki shows Japanese way of living very clearly. For example, women are not really get respect in Japan. They use to walk behind the man, walk with the small step and dance softly.
This perfomance was divided into two plays. One is called '
Fuji Musume' and the other called '
Kasane'
'
Fuji Musume'; Background:
In the early 19th century kabuki witnessed a boom in 'transformation' (hengemono) dance pieces. In these dances, a single performer would dance a number of contrastinng roles in rapid succession, using quick- change techniques to transform their clothing, hairstyle and make-up for each role.
'
Kasane'; Background:
Kasane is a richly poetic dance- drama set into beautiful music that weaves together sensual erotism and chilling horror in a baroque blend typical early 19th century kabuki. The story is based upon a popular folk tale from the late 17th century about Yuten Shonin, a Buddhist priest who exorcise a vengeful female ghost called Kasane.
