Ronald Cavaye

Declarado en 2005 Patrimonio Cultural Inmaterial por la UNESCO, el teatro Kabuki, surgido a comienzos del siglo XVII, constituye en el Japón del siglo XIX un vestigio aún vivo y activo de una época pasada, reflejo presente de la tradición, los códigos y los valores que han regido y, en cierto modo, rigen aún la sociedad japonesa. Asistir a una representación de Kabuki significa dar un salto en el tiempo para sumergirse de lleno en las aventuras y desventuras de Benkei y Yoshitsune o vivir el amor y el desamor de la mano de Sukeroku y Agemaki. Descubrir el Kabuki supone comprobar la absoluta maestría de sus actores, en especial la sublime sensibilidad artística del onnagata, el actor especializado en papeles femeninos

Japanese theater is vibrant and exciting, with a wide range of unique genres to be enjoyed by both visitors to Japan and on tour at arts and drama festivals and theaters worldwide. From the stately refinement of No and the colorful spectacle of Kabuki to the avant-garde of the shogekijo and adaptations of Shakespeare or mainstream musicals, the world of the Japanese performing arts is thriving and innovative. A Guide to the Japanese Stage covers all the main genres as performed today, from traditional to cutting edge. A brief history and introduction to the features of each genre is accompanied by recommendations of entertaining plays that are accessible to non-Japanese audiences. Brief synopses are provided for many often-performed plays, and the best known companies, actors, playwrights, and directors are highlighted. The text is illustrated with 32 color pages and over 150 black-and-white photographs, and includes information on theater listings, how to purchase tickets, and which plays are available on DVD in English. This guide is invaluable for anyone keen to experience Japanese theater firsthand, and will provide additional insights for students of Japanese theater and literature.