by Denison Marsland-Rello ’13

This winter, the Williston theatre will present something unlike they ever have before: Kabuki.

Kabuki is a Japanese style of theatre, characterized by over-the-top acting (think anime style), realistic human generated special effects, musical accompaniment, elaborate costumes, and total facial makeup, which is so intense that classmates acting in the show will be difficult to recognize.

Kabuki utilizes actors called “Koken” to produce special effects onstage.  Koken are dressed entirely in black, and are intended to be regarded as invisible, in order to maintain the suspension of disbelief. The clip below is of a more modern Japanese scene, which fully utilizes and shows the power that Koken have to dazzle and mesmerize us.

Fellow cast member Umi Keezing comments:

“When the cast watched a Kabuki style performance on YouTube, my initial thought was: “This is so weird- is it even acting?” Never had I witnessed a flying man represented by black-clad figures passing an actor across the stage. Swathed in swirling kimonos, the characters struck me as aliens. Their pearly white faces, highlighted by expressive streaks of red and blue, strengthened this image. They drew out each of their words to the point of incomprehensibility, occasionally letting out shouts that nearly made me leap from my chair. The Kabuki style overwhelmed me, and I lacked confidence that we could imitate it.

“However, after growing accustomed to the lavish costumes and unnatural voices, I have come to appreciate Kabuki. Rather than distracting the audience from what is happening, the dramatic effects of the style enhance the characters’ emotions. Although it does not rely on subtle human emotions, Kabuki style plays teach us valuable morals less apparent in Western plays. The participants of the Children’s Theater program have been working hard to master the Kabuki style, and I predict dazzling results. So, if you wish to see a boy hatching from a peach or the spirit of a deceased dog channeled through a tree, I recommend coming to our performance.”

The show, “Wondrous Tales of Old Japan,” is a collection of four short children’s tales. Although childish at heart, the production will appeal to even the most mature of audiences, even if just for its visual splendor and refreshing change of pace. As most recent Williston theatre productions have had western origins, this Japanese theatre style will be a new and exciting experience for both the audience and the actors.