Foreigner Japan Kabuki Theatre - Japanese Language Students

[zentoko]

Two summers ago I was in a musical in downtown Tokyo and we actually did this kabuki scene as a part of the show. My character was "Akaboushi Jyuuzaburo" (2:00) and it was so hard to do because I am a female and the character is a very feminine male so I had to study how to walk like a geisha but speak like a girly guy. I studied for 3 weeks straight falling asleep with the script (completely in Japanese) on my face. But I really relish the experience although it was so difficult.

[0915lany]

its really hard to perform this ...next week we will perform also... i gonna die...

[lawrence5151]

Bravo!! Excellent!!

[jesjenanddom]

what the .........?

[lostinxlation]

Are they 白波五人男？

It must be very tough for language students as the Japanese they use in kabuki are totally different from that we use today.Good job.

[softypapa]

Hello lostinxlation, I'm afraid that I don't know much about these students as I was just watching from the audience. I'm glad to hear that you enjoyed their peformance! -Kurt :-)

[Hokayshenao]

This is almost torture to watch, for one day I too would like to capture my audience with a great emotional display. Good work guys!

[Qcumber]

Remarkable. I wish I were young again and could attend this course in Japan.

[allgoo19]

It's a highly stylized play. Unlike acting in western style stage play, last thing they are trying to do is to make it look realistic. People come to see this type of play knows exactly what they will see and they don't get tired of watching the same thing. The performances are judged by how each performer implement and exaggerate their move to express the emotion. Over the past hundreds of years performers found out what audience would like, or expect so they try to do just that.

[Luminasita]

I wish I could understand what is being said! The tones and pitches are very interesting, though, as are the movements.

~Kat

[allgoo19]

Basically, they are just introducing themselves. Sometimes, even for native Japanese speaking people, it's hard to understand what they are saying. But most people know the story line, so it's not a big problem. It's more important to look for certain parts of the act where performers "Kimeru(act looking cool)" their acts. If you are careful, you'll hear audience sayhing "kakko ii(look awsome)" then appleaud. ^_^