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Kabuki

            While reading the short story "Flower-Eating Crone" by Enchi Fumiko, the one obstacle that I had with the text dealt with the Kabuki theatre. I kept wondering what the Kabuki theatre was all about, since it was mentioned throughout the story. I have very little experience with Japanese culture, so I thought it would be a good idea to see what exactly the Kabuki theatre entails. I feel this topic is significant because it seems like Kabuki theatre plays a major role in the Japanese culture. I feel the following information would only enhance a reader's understanding of this story if they actually knew a little background on the aesthetics of the Kabuki theatre. I"m going to give a brief explanation about certain key aspects of the Kabuki theatre and these aspects are the background, repertoire, the aesthetic elements, the stage, and finally the actors.
             Kabuki theatre is one of Japan's traditional theatrical art programs. The Kabuki theatre started around the 16th century in the period known as the Edo Era century. This was the period in which Kabuki developed the most. The merchant class was the class that did most of the groundwork for the Kabuki theatre. To the commoners Kabuki theatre was a way to express their emotions about their living conditions. (i.g. social class difference). The feudalistic system and conflicts between humanity are the two main themes that are found throughout each play. This form of theatre is constantly evolving and making changes for the better. Kabuki theatre does have a big following among the Japanese. The thing about Kabuki theatre that amazed me the most is the fact the males play both female and male roles. Yes this means that there are no female actresses in Kabuki theatre. These males are known as onnagata. The use of woman was banned in 1629 in order to protect the public from demoralization.
             Kabuki theatre has a huge repertoire of around 300 plays.


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