The Glossary
Chikamatsu Monzaemon - famous playwright who left the aristocratic class to pursue his dream
Chushingura - play that focused on a historical event
Great Fire of Meireki - also known as Furisode Fire; fire destroyed the majority of Edo’s theaters
Ha - acts 2-4 where the action sped up, battles occurred, and drama unfolded
Hanamichi - a platform stretching from the stage all the way through the audience known as the “flower way”
Jo - the 1st act that introduced the characters and plot of the story
Jidaimono - a play that told a historical moment in japanese history, and often hinted at current events
Kabukiza - one of the oldest theaters in Japan
Kumadori - style of makeup that used various patterns to represent each character
Kyu - the 5th act that ended the story with a short and satisfying conclusion
Okuni - Buddhist Shinto princess
Onnagata - men who played female roles in enhanced, developed Kabuki plays (not prostitutes)
Proscenium - a “frame or arch separating the stage from the auditorium, through which the action of a play is viewed”
Sewamono - a “domestic story” that told the tale of common people and the drama that occurred in their lives
Shosagoto - a play that focused on the beauty of dance
Wakashu - young boys who played female roles and were prostitutes
Yaro - Kabuki male performers
Chushingura - play that focused on a historical event
Great Fire of Meireki - also known as Furisode Fire; fire destroyed the majority of Edo’s theaters
Ha - acts 2-4 where the action sped up, battles occurred, and drama unfolded
Hanamichi - a platform stretching from the stage all the way through the audience known as the “flower way”
Jo - the 1st act that introduced the characters and plot of the story
Jidaimono - a play that told a historical moment in japanese history, and often hinted at current events
Kabukiza - one of the oldest theaters in Japan
Kumadori - style of makeup that used various patterns to represent each character
Kyu - the 5th act that ended the story with a short and satisfying conclusion
Okuni - Buddhist Shinto princess
Onnagata - men who played female roles in enhanced, developed Kabuki plays (not prostitutes)
Proscenium - a “frame or arch separating the stage from the auditorium, through which the action of a play is viewed”
Sewamono - a “domestic story” that told the tale of common people and the drama that occurred in their lives
Shosagoto - a play that focused on the beauty of dance
Wakashu - young boys who played female roles and were prostitutes
Yaro - Kabuki male performers