Kabuki Theater

Kabuki is a very old type of theater from Japan. It started more than 400 years ago. Kabuki actors wear bright costumes and paint their faces in bold colors. The shows are full of music, dance, and exciting stories.

The History of Kabuki

Kabuki began in Japan around the year 1603. A woman named Izumo no Okuni started it with a new kind of dance show. Soon, Kabuki became very popular with everyone. Later, only men were allowed to perform in it. Even the women's roles are played by men called onnagata.

What to See in a Show

A Kabuki show has music, singing, and dancing. The stage has fancy sets that can spin and move. Actors wear huge wigs and shiny robes. Their face paint, called kumadori, shows if a character is good or bad. The stories are often about heroes, ghosts, and old legends.

Fun Facts

• Kabuki shows can last up to four hours.
• The stage often has a long walkway that goes into the audience.
• Kabuki is on a special list of important world arts from UNESCO.

Did You Know?

Some Kabuki families have passed down their acting skills from father to son for over ten generations.