 The Art
of Kabuki
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The art of Kabuki has been on the decline for several years. However,
there are a few groups of foreign people who are learning this great art,
and doing their best to continue it in their own countries. Of course,
the language is not Japanese, but the clothing and movements are the same.
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Their spirit is full of energy and life. I like to watch these young
people doing their best to keep a fine art form alive, because Kabuki
is exciting! Kabuki was begun in the Izumo area, around the year 1600,
by a woman named Okuni, who was an attendant at the Izumo Taisha Shrine.
This shrine is one of the greatest, and most famous, in Japan. Izumo Okuni,
as she was called, formed an entertainment group which became popular
for the singing, music, dancing, and short plays that they performed.
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She wanted to collect money to rebuild the Izumo Taisha Shrine. The
group soon moved to Kyoto, where it became more famous, and was eagerly
accepted by the people, who loved the charm and brightness of her group.
Today, it is generally accepted that Kabuki began in 1603, when Okuni
moved to Kyoto. It soon became known as Okuni Kabuki. The first perfomeances
were based on popular ideas and customs, with a strong emphasis on sensuality.
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However, as is the case with everything that becomes popular, other
groups of entertainers began to copy her work. They gave a bad reputation
to Kabuki, because of improper conduct. Okuni, herself, was said to have
danced very skillfully, taking the part of young man. Her work was imaginative
and daring. She was indeed a great person.
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