← KABUKI KOOL

Season 5

10 episodes · 2018

  1. 1Enjoying Kabuki with Kataoka Ainosuke

    04 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. 2Kabuki Conventions

    02 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. 3Handsome Heroes of Kabuki

    06 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. 4The Battles of Coxinga

    04 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. 5Married Love

    05 Sep 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. 6Props for Male Roles

    03 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. 7Genpei Nunobiki no Taki: The White Cascade of the Genji Banner

    07 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. 8Before a Kabuki Tour Begins

    02 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. 9Sankyoku: Kabuki Chamber Music

    06 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. 10Kabuki Dance for Tachiyaku Male Rolesfinale

    06 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.