Kabuki Theater and Asian Festivals - Mapeh 8

Mapeh 8 The Kabuki Theater of Japan Kabuki is a highly stylized Japanese dance-drama. It is known for the high drama and the elaborate make-up worn by the cast, Kabuki theater combines music, dance, mime, and magnificent stage and costume in a unique way. It is the most popular among the tradition...

Mapeh 8 The Kabuki Theater of Japan Kabuki is a highly stylized Japanese dance-drama. It is known for the high drama and the elaborate make-up worn by the cast, Kabuki theater combines music, dance, mime, and magnificent stage and costume in a unique way. It is the most popular among the traditional styles in Japanese drama, and its star actors often also appear in television or film roles. Kabuki\'s history in Japan dates back to the Edo period between 1603 and 1867, when it became popular among the lower classes rather than the upper classes. The first performance of Okuni, a shrine dancer, in Kyoto in 1603 started Japanese interest in Kabuki theater, which was a blend of religious and folk dance. The Kabuki play is particularly fascinating due to its distinct and unrevealing characters on stage. \"KA\" means \"songs,\" \"BU\" means \"dance,\" and \"KI\" means \"talent.\" Because women were prohibited from performing in the 17th century due to the concept of prostitution, male audiences were easily attracted to female entertainers. Distinguishing Elements of Kabuki a\. Dance - The first performers dance with folk and religious dance music b\. Costume-The performers\' costumes stress the role being portrayed by the actors. It also shows the latest fashion trend of the present day. C. Makeup-One of the elements that is vital in Kabuki performances, makeup is very much emphasized with exaggerated colors. d\. Music-Aside from song and dance accompaniment, music is used for sound effects. Wooden clappers also serve as the signal to start or end the play. Musical Features of Kabuki In Kabuki, there are different vocal patterns and techniques used during the performance. They are: 1\. Ipponchoshi (continuous pattern) used in speeches building up to an explosive climax in the aragoto style. It involves extraordinary breath control that only professional actors succeed in achieving. 2\. Nori technique - adapted from chanting the joruri, which entails a very sensitive capacity of riding the rhythms of the shamisen 3\. Yakuharai technique a fine delivery of poetical material written in Japanese metrical form, with seven and five syllables alternated Music Instruments of the Kabuki The most important instrument used in Kabuki is the shamisen, a three-stringed instrument. Other instruments and music that are played during the Kabuki are the following: 1\. Hyoshigi-a wooden clapper used in ceremonial music to signal the beginning and end of the performances, it is played as the curtain opens and closes. It is struck together or against a wooden board. 2\. Hayashi a musical ensemble for Kabuki theater which is a live performance of the shamisen players, 3\. Debayashi-This is an onstage music performance in full view of the audience. Debayashi is divided into two: a\. Nagauta is performed on a tiered platform backstage. Aside from the singers, it includes the shamisen, drums, and flute. b\. Joruri is a musical ensemble located on the left side of the stage. 4\. Hyudorodoro is used to mark the appearance of the ghost, played by the instruments of flute and drum. 5\. Geza is used for special effects, the kagebayashi (hidden musicians) are invisible and the audience is seated at the lower seats of the stage. The style of music is enhanced through the use of special drums, gongs, bells, and cymbals. Part 1: Asian Festivals What are some festivals celebrated in the Asian region? The Thai Lantern Festival and the Japan Taiko Drum Festival are some of the popular festivals in the Asian region. The offering of lanterns has been practiced not just in Thailand but in many Asian countries like China, Japan, Korea, and even here in the Philippines. The use of drums has become a part of the ritual of many Japanese matsuri or festival. The one in Kodo, Japan stood out because of its highly stylized presentation. What are the characteristics of the Thai Lantern Festival? Thai Lantern festivals take place during the festival of Loy Krathong in Chiang Mai. In this festival, family members, lovers, and friends gather on the riverbanks to float flowers and candles. They also launch fireworks and release Thai lanterns at the same time. The Thais believe that bad luck will fly away with the lanterns. The offering of lanterns has a religious history. The festival of lanterns was based on the beliefs of Brahmanism. It is said to symbolize knowledge or the light that guides them on the right path to follow in life. This ceremony highlights the people\'s beliefs that their efforts in creating artistic and durable lanterns offered at the temples will make their wishes come true. What is the Japan Kodo Taiko Drum Festival? The Japanese word Kodo could refer to both a \"heartbeat\" heart/do-rhythm) or \"children of the drum\" (ko-child/do-rhythm). Taiko music in Japan is based on a strong tradition that encourages meditation by means of soft sounds or highly energetic sounds of the drums. The Japan Kodo group is a professional troupe of taiko drummers based in Sado Island in Japan. They are popular because of their creative and compelling music using taiko drums. What is the Modern Taiko Ensemble? As of May 2014, there are 32 performing members (26 men, six women) in Kodo and 28 staff members involved in Kitamaesen and Otodaiku which are both management groups of Kodo. Members of the ensemble play drums of various sizes and pitches. They also play percussion instruments. The ensemble is famous for the versatility of its members who can play several taikos. They are also popular for their costume of wearing only a loincloth. This loincloth or fundoshi in Japanese adds to the masculinity of the group\'s performance.