Japanese Kabuki Theatre Overview

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Questions and Answers

What does the term 'Kabuki' refer to in Japanese theatre?

Singing, dancing, and acting (correct)
Puppet shows
Plays about samurai warriors
Acrobatic performances

Who is credited with founding Kabuki theatre in 1603?

A group of Buddhist monks
A court nobleman
A renowned Noh actor
Okuni, a Shinto priestess (correct)

What is the 'Ipponchoshi' vocal pattern used for in Kabuki theatre?

Expressing romantic love
Delivering comedic lines
Building up to an explosive climax in the 'aragoto' style (correct)
Accompanying dances

Which of the following is NOT a vocal technique used in Kabuki theatre?

Vibrato Technique (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of 'Geza-ongaku' (Off-stage Music) in Kabuki theatre?

To provide background music and sound effects (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary instrument used in the 'Shoso-ongaku' (On-stage Music) of Kabuki theatre?

Shamisen (lute-like instrument) (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about the origins of Kabuki theatre is correct?

It emerged from the comedic imitations of Buddhist prayers by Okuni, a Shinto priestess. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the syllables 'Ka', 'Bu', and 'Ki' in the term 'Kabuki'?

They refer to the three elements of acting, singing, and dancing that Kabuki combines. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about the 'Nori Technique' in Kabuki theatre is NOT true?

It is a vocal technique used primarily in the 'aragoto' style of acting. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the 'Yakuharai Technique' in Kabuki theatre?

It is a method of delivering poetical text written in the Japanese metrical form of alternating 7 and 5 syllables. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the 'Geza-ongaku' (Off-stage Music) in Kabuki theatre?

To set the mood and provide background music and sound effects. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about the 'Shosa-ongaku' (On-stage Music) in Kabuki theatre is correct?

It accompanies the actors as they describe scenic settings and synchronize their lines with the rhythm. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following vocal patterns is used in the 'aragoto' (rough hero) style of acting in Kabuki theatre?

Ipponchoshi/Continuous Pattern (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the 'Nagauta' music in Kabuki theatre?

It is a specific type of shamisen music that is the most popular accompaniment for Kabuki performances. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about the use of music in Kabuki theatre is NOT true?

The music is always performed live during the performance. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following instruments is NOT mentioned in the text as being used in Kabuki theatre music?

Koto (Japanese zither) (C) Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

What is Kabuki?

Japanese theatre combining singing, dancing, and acting.

Kabuki Founder

Okuni, a Shinto priestess, founded Kabuki theatre.