Kabuki is a traditional Japanese dance-drama style. Kabuki theatre is recognized for its highly stylized performances, as well as the typically glitzy costumes and intricate kumadori make-up used by some of its actors.
Kabuki is considered to have started in Kyoto during the early Edo era, when creator Izumo no Okuni organized a female dance troop to perform dances and light comedies. After women were forbidden from appearing in kabuki theatre in 1629, the art form evolved into its current all-male theatrical form. Kabuki grew in popularity in the late 17th century and peaked in the mid-18th century.
Every kabuki actor has a stage name that is distinct from his or her given name. These stage names, which are usually those of the actor's father, grandfather, or instructor, are handed down through the generations of performers' families and are held in high regard. Many names are linked with certain roles or performing styles, and the new owner of each name must live up to these expectations; it's almost as if the actor is taking on the spirit, style, or talent of each actor who has had that name before. Over the course of their careers, many performers will go by at least three different names.
