Kabuki, a 400-year old Japanese form of theater, is known for its fantastically colorful stage, dramatic stories, and utterly beautiful men and women played by an all male cast. Still popular in modern day Japan, kabuki performers are specially trained from a young age to faithfully copy their predecessors’ forms and styles until they have the skills to develop their own styles. Join us for a dynamic lecture and demonstration with veteran onnagata (actor specializing in female roles), Kyozo ​Nakamura. Mr. Nakamura​ will introduce the basics of male and female acting in kabuki and talk about his own path to become an accomplished actor. The audience will also begin their kabuki performance training, copying Nakamura's movements in an interactive call and response.

This program is presented in conjunction with "Copies and Invention in East Asia," an exhibition which highlights the creative possibilities of copying as an artistic practice (co-sponsored by CJS). Following the performance, the gallery will be open to enjoy.

This program is co-presented by the Center for Japanese Studies and the University of Michigan Museum of Art, with support from the Agency for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan.