THEA 100 Lecture Notes - Lecture 10: Shosagoto, Kabuki, Sewamono
Document Summary
Background: one of japan"s traditional theater arts, created back in the late 16th century mostly by merchants in the early days of kabuki. Incorporated parts of all the preceding theater forms in japan. Fundamental themes: con icts between humanity and the feudalistic system. This humanistic quality of the art is what gained it such popularity from the general public"s eyes: primary importance has always been placed on the actor rather than any other aspect of the art. Ex. literary value is not as important. Mostly or almost exclusively dance: actors dance with the full accompaniment of vocal and instrumental music, jidai-non = historical drama. Depicts historical facts or present dramatized accounts of warriors or nobles: most are heavy tragedies with some momentary ashes of comedy for relief. Often call upon the hero to make the greatest possible sacri ces: sewa-mono = domestic drama. Depicts the life of the plebeian class: center of attention is focused upon the commoner.
