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Kabuki
originated in the Edo period and was more popular with the lower social
class as compared to the higher social classes. The word 'Kabuki' is
composed of three Japanese characters: 'ka' meaning 'songs', 'bu'
meaning 'dance' and 'ki' meaning 'skill'. Its more likely a Japanese
version of Shakespeare’s plays being performed in an Opera. But Kabuki
is more entertaining, energetic and awesome in the use of color, makeup,
movements and often other spectacular effects. The passion for Kabuki Theatre began with first performance by the shrine dancer Okuni at Kyoto in 1603. This performance was a unique blend of folk dance and religious dance and soon became popular with the lower classes. In the early phase of the 17th century, women were banned from performing because women performers were lured to the business of prostitution and were getting undue attention from male admirers. This led to the development of art of female impersonation wherein males also played female parts. The beginning of the 18th century marked the development of Kabuki into a more matured form and was starting to become popular even with the higher classes of society. Kabuki
plays are composed of certain varying elements that help it become so
colorful and glamorous. These elements include: Story, Musical Elements,
Dramatic Content, Dance, Costume, Make-up, Theatre Design, and
Actor/Audience Relationship. Kabuki plays are about society in a
particular period, historical events, moral conflicts, love
relationships etc. and are performed using a combination of dramatic
dialogue and dance, and accompanied by drums, flutes, stringed
instruments called shamisen, and chanting. The Kabuki music also employs
special spectacular audio-effects. Kabuki
performers are very famous in Japan and this theatrical art is usually
passed from one family generation to the next, but the National Theater
in Tokyo also has a school for training young and upcoming performers.
The costumes and conventions of the traditional Kabuki are still being
incorporated in the modern Kabuki plays. However, the new generation
performers are finding out new ways to update plays in-order to attract
more and more audiences.
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A
wonderful combination of ancient traditions and cutting-edge modern
life, Japan has it all. It is one of the world’s most fascinating
places to visit as many wonders and revelation await you. You can try
your hand at Origami, the popular art of paper folding, or take a walk
down the serene paths of a temple or you may step into a theatre and
take in a performance - the Kabuki Theatre is a must see in Japan as it
is the most famous of the traditional Japanese theatres and depicts one
of the various aspects of performing arts. 
The most exceptional among them is the sounding of wooden clappers
signaling the opening and the closing of a Kabuki play. The
actors/performers wear costumes that reflect the contemporary styles of
the day. The costumes play a major role to emphasize the character’s
role being portrayed by the performer, as they themselves are full of
complexity and hidden meaning. Along with the costumes, make-up is also
considered as an integral part of Kabuki performance. The theatrical
designs have changed over a period of time, ranging from raised
platforms on a riverbed to the modern day theatres having rotating
stages and a whole range of gadgets. The last but not the least is the
Actor-Audience Relationship as there are instances in a Kabuki play when
an actor would come out of his role and address the audience directly.