Tips To Enjoy Kabuki-3
Live music
Nobuko comments that the music and sound effects are performed live in all the programs.
Japanese sound effect “bata bata” (clattering noise) to give a strong impression of the scene, which is like an effective sound
used when animation character appears on the scene in cartoon film.
Omuko shouts:When you visit the Kabuki theatre, you may hear the audience cheer their favorite actors and praise the performances, shouting out the name, “Narita-ya” or “Nakamura-ya”. There are opportunities to shout, such as when the actors do MIE or leave the stage, but effective shouting (Kakegoe) may require some skills and training to shout in timely manner, otherwise it may spoil the performance.
When the lead actor appears on stage from the Hanamichi loud applause can be heard throughout the venue. This is joined by the efforts of Omuko, a specialist sitting in the audience. Omuko shouts at the actor whenever he appears or leaves the stage in order to build up the performance.
Nakai Otsuyu by Beisaburo Matsumoto
Kabuki has been developed as a popular amusement among common people. The audience may feel a sense of affinity with the actors who plays or pass through the Hanamichi passage. Hanamichi passageway or Omuko shouts provide good examples of uniting the audience and the actors.
Stage setting and all:
Tricolor stage curtain (Joshikimaku) – black, persimmon, green – is used in a Kabuki theatre. The Kabuki set is equipped with various mechanical contrivances for dramatic effect. A platform can be raised and lowered from below the stage to make actors appear and disappear.
The Hanamichi is indispensable on the Kabuki stage. It is an aisle stage running from the stage to the rear of the theater through the audience.
A revolving stage (mawari-butai) is used to shift scenes. Chanting or Shamisen music is performed on the upper stage, which revolves and carries the performers away and out of sight when their performance finished.
Actors surprise the audience by being suspended in the air, by quick change of the role and the costume, or by moving parts of the set on stage.
Kurogo
Kurogo sometimes appears on the stage to help the actors, and has no connection with the story. Kurogo is supposed to be invisible by the audience.
Kabuki vs. Opera
Kabuki is famous for its spectacular visual qualities, including the dance, sets, costume and make-up. Even the brutal scenes are beautified and glorified, making themselves look beautiful on any scene in Kabuki.
On the other hand, Opera actors sing and the music plays the important part. Opera is called the art of emotions. Love, Tragedy and Death are often at the heart of the plot and a total art from which joins music, drama and dance both in Kabuki and Opera.
The majority of Kabuki performances today still rely on a classic play, using traditional costume and makeup. You can enjoy the accomplished performance in the traditional artistic skill. They value the Kabuki tradition and try to follow Kabuki's traditional performance. However, there is also a new generation of actors attempting to update plays and to attract modern audiences with exciting stage techniques.
I mentioned some characteristics of Kabuki, but Kabuki’s charm is beyond expression. You should visit the Kabuki theatre first. Single Act Ticket available for beginners. The power of communication is so intense, you can understand the meaning. It transcends language. English guide services available, and there is an explanation about the stories and other aspects of Kabuki so that non-Japanese speakers to understand. For foreigners searching for a different culture, Kabuki unquestionably provides the unique experience.
Meals during the interval, you can enjoy MKUNOUCHI BENTO (between act box lunch) during the intermissions (20-30 mins.) even from your own seat.
(The entire text is based from a valuable input by Nobuko Hanai, a member of Ichikawa Somegoro Fan Club and ardent Kabuki lover.
I would like to express sincere thanks to Nobuko!)
Photo source: freesya and Nobuko Hanai