Kabuki Performances Shown Free On Internet
A Japanese theater is providing traditional kabuki plays for free on the internet. The plays, which were scheduled to be performed in March, were cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Kabukiza Theatre, located in Tokyo, made the rare decision to post the plays online. The dramas were performed without an audience.
The five plays include "Shin usuyuki monogatari," featuring Nakamura Kichiemon and Kataoka Nizaemon, and "Numazu," featuring Matsumoto Hakuo and his son Koshiro. The performances are available online through Sunday.
Matsumoto Hakuo told NHK that he did his best when he performed despite not having an audience for the drama. He said he hopes that the pandemic will end soon and that he is looking forward to seeing his fans again at the theater.
By making the performances available for free on the internet, the theater hopes to boost interest in kabuki.
