Kabuki - Japanese theatre

This is the Kabuki theatre in Higashi Ginza.

Kabuki is a traditional theatre entertainment. It's played by only male actors; female roles are played by men in female costume (you would not notice it's a man acting...almost.). It's bit like Shakespeare; it started as an entertainment for the common people. However, I must say Kabuki is very special now; The Kabuki actors are very highly regarded in the Japanese society. mostly the names of the actors are passed down within the families. The world of Kabuki can be quite closed for special audience.

I went to see the last part of the day's performance; There are usually two parts: one in the afternoon and the other in the evening. It lasts several hours in total. This particular performance had three parts, a summer special to attract more lame people. One of the piece was directed by Hideki Noda who is from a modern theatre and famous for a unique adaptation. This time Noda adopted Aida (Opera piece) for Kabuki. It was totally coincidence that I just saw Aida a few weeks ago in Verona. I loved both. Noda is such a talented director; he beautifully adapted the story into Kabuki style stage; costume, stage design, colour and music. Well done.