About this season
Kabuki is a world-class theater with a history of over 400 years, but is also exciting entertainment. What is the secret of its enduring attraction? Haruka Christine, Nakamura Kazutaro, and Ichikawa Somegoro guide us through the world of kabuki.
Episodes (10)
1. Enjoying Kabuki with Ichikawa Somegoro VII
Aired 16 April 2014 • 28 min
In the first program, we will watch entertaining short clips from great classics of kabuki as an easy key to enjoying the dazzling variety of kabuki. Also, Somegoro will explain why and how he became a kabuki actor and what it means to become part of a long acting tradition.
2. The Beauty of Onnagata
Aired 21 May 2014 • 28 min
This time we will look at one of the truly unique features of kabuki. There are no female actresses in kabuki and all female roles are played by male actors called "onnagata." Where did this tradition come from? What is the beauty of acting that can only be performed by onnagata? Join us as we explore the fascinating world of onnagata.
3. Unique Kabuki Stage Structures
Aired 18 June 2014 • 28 min
This time we're looking at the unique stage devices used in kabuki performance -- amazing, ground-breaking mechanisms that have been used for over 250 years.
4. Larger-Than-Life Heroes
Aired 16 July 2014 • 28 min
Heroes with superhuman powers take the stage in aragoto plays which have stayed popular for over 300 years. Learn about its unique make-up and mie poses that gets the audience excited.
5. Kabuki's Leading Male Roles
Aired 17 September 2014 • 28 min
Kabuki's leading male roles. There are so many different types, and even villains take the lead! But all of them are irresistibly attractive. Learn about their lives and tragic fates.
6. Chushingura: The Treasury of Loyal Retainers
Aired 15 October 2014 • 28 min
Chushingura is a particularly important kabuki play, and has been hugely popular since its premiere over 200 years ago. Find out why, and the history behind this dramatic story about loyal samurai.
7. The Shakespeare of Japan: Chikamatsu Monzaemon
Aired 19 November 2014 • 28 min
Explore the world of Chikamatsu Monzaemon, one of Japan's greatest playwrights. His vivid depictions of raw human drama are still hugely popular today. He is nicknamed the "Japanese Shakespeare."
8. Unique Kabuki Props
Aired 17 December 2014 • 28 min
Swords and pipes, fantastic objects and things from daily life — kabuki uses a variety of stage props, most of which have not changed since hundreds of years ago. Find out how kabuki actors make use of them to great effect.
9. Wagoto: Ladies' Man as Hero
Aired 21 January 2015 • 28 min
The heroes of wagoto style of kabuki aren't very strong or dependable. They are soft and romantic, and can also be comical at times. See Ichikawa Somegoro's delightful performance as a ladies' man.
10. Charming Villains
Aired 18 February 2015 • 28 min
The more attractive a villain is the more enjoyable kabuki becomes. From a murderous criminal to a scoundrel on the street, see the charming villains of kabuki take center stage.