KABUKI - Understanding the Basics

[@michellehancock1977]

Great video! Don’t forget to rent the digital English translator to guide you through the show.

[@charlottebithell]

I’ve just purchased two tickets to a whole show- guess we better buckle up for the ride 😬😬

[@carlrosa1130]

Thanks for the comment. Holy cow. You're watching the whole performance?

[@JamesLoo56]

Thanks and very informative video ! Certainly like to have at least one Act for the experience. Is there any subtitles for the performance ? Are we allow to take photo during the show ? And is there any intermission during the show ? TIA

[@carlrosa1130]

Hi James! Thanks for the comment. Depending on the performance, there are intermissions/bathroom breaks. Taking photos or audio or video recordings during the performance from your seat is prohibited. They'll ask you to please turn off your cell phones and smartphones beforehand. Essential translations of dialogue and lyrics, as well as explanations relating to kabuki will be provided by English captions. You can grab some 'America-language' literature about the performance. My suggestion - prepare to really enjoy the entire experience for about 15 minutes and then, you might find yourself staring at the ceiling. I have a very very short attention span and it was torture for me after 30 minutes. Now, when I bring tours to Japan, I bring the tour members to the theater and then say - "Buy your tickets here. I'll be back to pick you up in 1 hour." To me, there's only one thing harder to focus on then Kabuki - and that is a 'Noh' performance.

[@JamesLoo56]

@@carlrosa1130 thank you!

[@carlrosa1130]

@@JamesLoo56 My pleasure. I hope you have a wonderful time!

[@thomasclark9517]

ALL women? What? You'd think Japan would have learned from long ago.

[@ExcitingOnion]

Actually, the women performers were often literal prostitutes who were trying to get attention in the performance, so the ban was a little more justified than what the announcer said here.