Kabuki: The people's dramatic art - Amanda Mattes

The Japanese dance and theater art of kabuki, derived from the word kabuku, meaning "out of the ordinary," can be traced back to the streets of seventeenth-century Kyoto. Kabuki became a dramatic art for the common people, with its use of makeup and facial expressions rather than masks, as well as a playful take on current events. Amanda Mattes tracks the evolution of kabuki and its place in Japan's rich cultural heritage.

Lesson by Amanda Mattes, animation by Tom Gran.

[JustinLaw]

Funny story regarding kabuki. When I went to Japan a few years ago I REALLY wanted to see a kabuki performance but the ticket for the shows were EXPENSIVE and I had blown most of my budget in Akihabara (as you do). Just as I gave up finding a theatre that was cheap enough for me, I met a kabuki actor at a language-exchange party in this cafe and, after I told him my difficulties in finding an affordable theater, asked me to watch him and his trope's rehearsals the upcoming week at the New Tokyo National Theater, FOR FREE (you have to understand that a ticket for this show would have required at LEAST 3 months of reservation and no less than 50, 000 yen)! Needless to say, I was ecstatic and that experience remains one of the highlights of my trip (the other being getting absolutely smashed on alcoholic amazake during New Years because I thought I was drinking the non-alcoholic kind).

[roxanei]

Kabuki 歌舞伎 means
Ka 歌 : sing, voice
Bu 舞 : dance
Ki 伎 : technics

[yuppi]

For Naruto fans, Kankuro's character was heavily inspired on Kabuki, from his makeup to the puppet Jutsu inspired by bunraku!

[Hallows]

In Avatar: The Last Airbender, the Kyoshi Warriors have definite Kabuki influences in their outfits and face paint.

[killianoshaughnessy]

I never thought of kabuki influencing anime, bu then I remember some animes doing exaggarated poses.

[gayatrimestry]

i like how she started performing in an area which was at a lower height rather than a traditional stage which is higher, , , its different in that sense too

[captainkirk]

I love how your videos are so fun to watch, non bias, and educational, keep up the great work

[yokozombie]

Never thought that story of kabuki may be told and presented that magnificient. Bravo!

[LovelyCostumeDesign]

I currently live and work in Scotland, and am not a voice over artist/actor. TED-Ed uses professionals in chosen fields who donate their time to write the lessons, create animation, and voice them. I believe Addison may be local (in the new york area or at least somewhere in the states), and I think he did a fantastic job. I am open to voicing future lessons, when time and location allow for it. :)

[naliakaperesopiyo]

ok, but when he was talking about wakashu-kabuki and he was like, for similar reasons, I died. I don't even know why.

[LovelyCostumeDesign]

No need to apologize! And you're right, the name of the lesson is actually named "Four Sisters in Ancient Rome." It can be found in the Social Studies section of the TED-Ed lessons tab. I love Ray Laurence's lessons.

[OsagieGuobadia]

Amazing how TED-ED teaches us about the history of Kabuki. : )

[devinreis]

As a theater kid in high school, I love this! Once a theater kid, always a theater kid!

[lotusgal]

I had no idea my favorite thing (anime) was influenced by a style of stage performance! That’s so amazing!

[RIXRADvidz]

Great Way to crack a door into a whole new world of information, now go out and read MORE on Kabuki and Noh and other performance arts. keep stimulating that Want To Know. thx Ted-Ed.

[emmypoo]

For my dance class we’re doing cultural dances. Kabuki is my dance that I need to perform in a few weeks

[inkajoo]

Lol'd at the representation of noh.

[aureusyarara]

The "unmistakable melodrama" animation almost made me fall off my chair laughing.

[Austrolopithe]

I'd love to see more about how Kabuki has influenced anime. I can guess at some parallels, but they are present in Western comics as well. 

[nobunagakurenai]

"Today Kabuki still lives on as an integral part of Japan's rich cultural heritage."