Lesson 2, Mapeh, 4th
Lesson 2, Mapeh, 4th
Lesson 2, Mapeh, 4th
KABUKI
KABUKI
The word Kabuki came from the Japanese terms ka meaning ‘‘song,’’ bu meaning
‘‘dance,’’ and ki meaning ‘‘skill.’’ This is appeared in the sixteenth century as a ceremonial
dance, nembutsu odori, originated by a woman, Okuni. Male performers who portray female
oayama or onnagata roles spoke in their falsetto voices while chanting their praises.
The kabuki is one of the four forms of Japanese traditional theater, aside from
Bunraku, Noh, and Kyogen.
COMPONENTS OF KABUKI
1. Music – The kabuki music is divided into three parts:
Debayashi – This is an incidental music played on the kabuki stage. This is known as degatari.
Gidayubushi – This is similar to joruri, a form of Japanese traditional narrative music accompanied by
shamisen instrument.
Shimoza ongaku – This is played in kuromiso, the lower stage below the stage. Musicians use wooden
clappers to announce the beginning and ending of the presentations. The gagaku ensemble also
accompanies the kabuki plays in Japan.