Kabuki: A theatre form that is very theatrical and has exaggerated movements; the story and time period don’t matter as much as their expression and action. Dance and makeup were essential and emotion is reflected visually.
Onnagata: Men who specialized in acting the roles of women. They were female impersonators and perfected a style of highly exaggerated feminine beauty
Hanamichi: An elevated passageway/runway that ran through or on the side of the audience. It was used dramatic entrances and it provided interaction with the audience while still separating the actors for a more theatrical experience.
Oshiroi: a thick white makeup that was painted all over the actors’ faces. This provided a base for other makeup and made everything look dramatic. Because of limited lighting, this white face allowed the audience to more clearly see the actors’ expression. It also gave the actors the envied white complexion of nobles. It was made of rice powder and there were different shades based on age, class, and gender.
Kumadori: A form of makeup that has dramatic lines and shapes outlining the muscles of the face. There are different colors used that each represent different characteristics. The purpose of this makeup was not to hide the actor’s face but to project its expressions in an enhanced form. The makeup could be changed throughout the play as the actors’ character evolved or changed. This makeup is also supposed to show stereotypical personality of a specific role.
Kuroko: A stagehand who had not connection to the story. They were supposed to be treated as invisible by the audience. They would give props to the actors and help change their costumes on stage.
Aragato: A style of performance that was rowdy, wild, and violent. It was invented by Ichikawa Danjuro. It was often shown with the Kumadori makeup style and costume by using many wigs and layers to build character to monstrous proportions. Actors painted their face with a red and black in a suuji-kuma or sinew pattern. A “glaring pose” could be stricken with the fierce makeup. It gave the impression of the actors having very big eyes and was supposed to scare away evil spirits.
Sasimen: A long necked string instrument which has a range that is similar to that of a human’s, allowing it to accompany the actor and add on to their emotions.
Okuni: A female dancer who made a group of female performers in the early 17th century. She achieved popularity by making parodies of Buddhist prayers. The group was dramatic entertainment for commoners.
Wakashu: the handsome men that replaced the women as actresses who were also banned in 1652 for causing sexual appeal