KABUKI KOOL

Season 5

2018 · 10 episodes · 4h 40m in all

Episodes

1. 1

   1. Enjoying Kabuki with Kataoka Ainosuke

   4 Apr 2018 · 28 min

   This time Kataoka Ainosuke takes his first turn as our host. Ainosuke is a renowned kabuki actor. He'll be our guide to the attractions of kabuki looking at some of the roles he's played.

2. 2

   2. Kabuki Conventions

   2 May 2018 · 28 min

   Explore the fascinating conventions and traditions of kabuki. Actor Kataoka Ainosuke explains the origins and meanings of kabuki's unique make-up, its onnagata techniques, and stage machinery.

3. 3

   3. Handsome Heroes of Kabuki

   6 Jun 2018 · 28 min

   Explore the different types of romantic hero who appear in kabuki. From sweet, comic charmers to brooding bad boys, actor Kataoka Ainosuke explains these heroic archetypes.

4. 4

   4. The Battles of Coxinga

   4 Jul 2018 · 28 min

   Actor Kataoka Ainosuke explores "The Battles of Coxinga" by Chikamatsu Monzemon. It's an epic tale with a Sino-Japanese hero taking up arms in China for the family his father once served.

5. 5

   5. Married Love

   5 Sept 2018 · 28 min

   Actor Kataoka Ainosuke explores the sometimes tragic and occasionally comical relationships between married couples in kabuki. Explore these dramatic tales of fidelity and romance.

6. 6

   6. Props for Male Roles

   3 Oct 2018 · 28 min

   Actor Kataoka Ainosuke reveals the wide variety of props used by tachiyaku, the male roles in kabuki. Explore the all-important katana sword, tobacco pipes, footwear and gold coins.

7. 7

   7. Genpei Nunobiki no Taki: The White Cascade of the Genji Banner

   7 Nov 2018 · 28 min

   Actor Kataoka Ainosuke explores two acts from this gidayu kyogen play. It's a fantastical, dramatic, and deeply moving piece of theater.

8. 8

   8. Before a Kabuki Tour Begins

   2 Jan 2019 · 28 min

   How do the cast and crew prepare for a kabuki performance? Actor Kataoka Ainosuke guides us through the rehearsals and technical complexities of a recent nationwide tour.

9. 9

   9. Sankyoku: Kabuki Chamber Music

   6 Feb 2019 · 28 min

   Kabuki is full of music played both on- and off-stage. Actor Kataoka Ainosuke and musician Kawase Roshu guide us through the beautiful complexities of sankyoku.

10. 10

    10. Kabuki Dance for Tachiyaku Male Roles

    6 Mar 2019 · 28 min

    Dance is an integral part of kabuki, showcasing personality and inner emotion, as well as skill. Explore this mesmerizing facet of kabuki with actor Kataoka Ainosuke.