Kabuki show at TIM

JAKARTA (JP): The traditional Japanese theatrical art Kabuki will be brought to Jakartans as part of the Japan-Indonesia Friendship Festival. Kabuki players will perform at the Graha Bakti Budaya auditorium of the Taman Ismail Marzuki Arts Center, Central Jakarta, on Sept. 7 and 8.

Kabuki, which was born during the Edo era (1603-1868), consists of three essential parts: dance, music and movement. Women are not permitted to participate in Kabuki, and female roles are played by males. The rule is known as onnagata. Another unusual aspect of Kabuki is the makeup techniques used. These, known as kumadori, will also be demonstrated in Jakarta.

Kabuki players are generally middle-aged or elderly, with most being about 40 years old and some as old as 70. A 30-year-old player is considered young. The reason for this is that only actors of vast experience are considered capable of meeting the demands of the art.

Today, Kabuki, which is Japan's national art, is very popular among Japanese, especially among teenagers. It is currently the top theater form in Japan. With stories that deal with subjects such as love, revenge or historical events, Kabuki still attracts large crowds. (07)