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 Kataoka Ainosuke
Aired 4 April 2018 • 28 min
This time Kataoka Ainosuke takes his first turn as our host. Ainosuke is a renowned kabuki actor. He'll be our guide to the attractions of kabuki looking at some of the roles he's played.
2. Kabuki Conventions
Aired 2 May 2018 • 28 min
Explore the fascinating conventions and traditions of kabuki. Actor Kataoka Ainosuke explains the origins and meanings of kabuki's unique make-up, its onnagata techniques, and stage machinery.
3. Handsome Heroes of Kabuki
Aired 6 June 2018 • 28 min
Explore the different types of romantic hero who appear in kabuki. From sweet, comic charmers to brooding bad boys, actor Kataoka Ainosuke explains these heroic archetypes.
4. The Battles of Coxinga
Aired 4 July 2018 • 28 min
Actor Kataoka Ainosuke explores "The Battles of Coxinga" by Chikamatsu Monzemon. It's an epic tale with a Sino-Japanese hero taking up arms in China for the family his father once served.
5. Married Love
Aired 5 September 2018 • 28 min
Actor Kataoka Ainosuke explores the sometimes tragic and occasionally comical relationships between married couples in kabuki. Explore these dramatic tales of fidelity and romance.
6. Props for Male Roles
Aired 3 October 2018 • 28 min
Actor Kataoka Ainosuke reveals the wide variety of props used by tachiyaku, the male roles in kabuki. Explore the all-important katana sword, tobacco pipes, footwear and gold coins.
7. Genpei Nunobiki no Taki: The White Cascade of the Genji Banner
Aired 7 November 2018 • 28 min
Actor Kataoka Ainosuke explores two acts from this gidayu kyogen play. It's a fantastical, dramatic, and deeply moving piece of theater.
8. Before a Kabuki Tour Begins
Aired 2 January 2019 • 28 min
How do the cast and crew prepare for a kabuki performance? Actor Kataoka Ainosuke guides us through the rehearsals and technical complexities of a recent nationwide tour.
9. Sankyoku: Kabuki Chamber Music
Aired 6 February 2019 • 28 min
Kabuki is full of music played both on- and off-stage. Actor Kataoka Ainosuke and musician Kawase Roshu guide us through the beautiful complexities of sankyoku.
10. Kabuki Dance for Tachiyaku Male Roles
Aired 6 March 2019 • 28 min
Dance is an integral part of kabuki, showcasing personality and inner emotion, as well as skill. Explore this mesmerizing facet of kabuki with actor Kataoka Ainosuke.