Kabuki: The people's dramatic art - Amanda Mattes
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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.
Two Eastern philosophies shaped the early development of Kabuki. The first, Buddhism, was used by Izumo no Okuni to create unique dances, which were originally used for prayers. What was the second, and in what ways did Kabuki change due to its implementation?
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Meet The Creators
- Educator Amanda Mattes
- Director Tom Gran
- Narrator Addison Anderson
