Harking back to the Edo period (1603 - 1867), kabuki is a traditional theatrical arts in Japan that impresses audiences with larger-than-life characters, vibrant costumes and stylized dances. Chock-full of symbolism, it is recognised as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity by UNESCO. However, kabuki must evolve to keep up with today's rapidly changing world so as not to become obsolete. This it has done splendidly, what with the infusion of multi-media technology, combination of other Japanese art forms like noh and even adaptation of Western classics! Read on to find out about the various hip kabuki trends that are taking not just Japan, but the world by storm.
Tapping On Pop Culture
Many people have the misconception that kabuki features ancient plays with obscure language that will not attract young viewers. This cannot be further from the truth, as recent kabuki offerings draw inspiration from pop culture, showing that they are in tune with what appeals to young Japanese people. Ever heard of one of Japan's most popular anime series, One Piece? Now imagine it showcased as a kabuki performance! In November 2015, this unique One Piece rendition was performed at the Shinbashi Enbujo theatre to sold-out crowds and rave reviews! Many people in the audience certainly enjoyed how One Piece characters like Luffy, Sanji and Chopper were bursting in energy and conveying their story with gusto right in front of them! In another instance of seamless incorporation of pop culture, famous heartthrob, Hideaki Takizawa, spices up his Takizawa Kabuki show with modern, heart-stirring rock music.
Introduction Of Super Kabuki
In order to make kabuki plays more accessible to modern audiences, Ennosuke Ichikawa III, hailing from a revered kabuki family, had a brilliant stroke of an idea: have classic plays be delivered in contemporary spoken Japanese. He named this style of kabuki Super Kabuki. Engaging in Super Kabuki has the advantage of conveying a sense of familiarity to the audience as they feel that they can relate readily to the characters' emotional state of mind. Another unique feature of Super Kabuki is that characters will be flown mid-air in the last scene. What a way to hype up the atmosphere towards a rousing finale! Thus, it is not surprising that Suoer Kabuki was so well received that the nephew of Ennosuke Ichikawa III went on to discover a new series called Super Kabuki Second. The One Piece play mentioned earlier in the previous paragraph is, incidentally, an example of a Super Kabuki Second adaptation!
Adaptation Of Western Influences
In a great illustration of East meets West, many elements of Western cultures have been mixed seamlessly into kabuki plays. Here, kabuki practitioners prove themselves to be versatile as they put up multi-faceted plays that are adapted from Shakespeare works like Macbeth, Coriolanus and Richard III. Not only that, these plays are produced with Western-style perspective staging and sound effects, going to the extent of backing the whole stage with mirrors so as to achieve a broad perspective. This adds a refreshing twist to what audiences are used to in traditional kabuki!
Leveraging Of Digital Technology
With the rapid advances in technology nowadays, it is not uncommon to see practitioners use digital technology to help broaden kabuki's appeal to a wider and more culturally diverse audience. For one, Koi Tsukami (Fight with a Carp) that was performed at the Fountains of Bellagio in Las Vegas in August 2015 use computer-programmed fountain choreography, displaying a keen sensitivity to blend with the surroundings. Other than public places, kabuki plays have also made inroads into cinema theatre through a trend known as cinema kabuki. These days, many live productions are recorded down for subsequent screening via state-of-the-art projection screens at movie theatres all over the world. Not only can you feel the adrenaline and excitement that is coursing through the actors, but you are also treating yourself to a visual feast of high-definition images - with English subtitles!
Boasting a rich 400-year history, kabuki is an art form that is stepped in tradition, but yet proves itself to adapt smoothly and remain relevant to current times. However, although its form may have changed somewhat with the infusion of Western culture and modern technology, its spirit remains intact: a great storytelling tool to revealthe many intricacies of human nature. So do include watching a kabuki play into your travel checklist!