Entry by Daysi Perez Mendez: Perpsective View (uki-e) of a Kabuki Theatre, with a Performance of The Crest Patterns of the Soga Brothers and Nagoya Sanza (Mon-zukushi Nagoya Soga)

In Masanobu’s art piece, woodblock print, ink and color on paper, viewers can see that there is a lot taking place. Viewers are able to tell the huge difference between theater in America and Kabuki theater. Not only is the time period different from what we’re viewing, but the location is also different. One thing to note is how crowded the place is and how it appears to be that people are practically sitting on top of each other even though that is not the case. It is also interesting how on both sides, the left and the right, it looks as if the people on the second row are caged up. It makes one think whether those seats cost more or less compared to the other section. Furthermore, during the Shakespearean era, the seats that cost the most were the top level as they were able to get a view of everything on stage. It makes me think if that was the case for Kabuki theater as well. Looking at the artwork, I wonder if there was a use of curtains and if so, did they drop or did they simply go to the side? It is really interesting to see and think about the difference between the western theater and the theater’s in Japan and how much they’ve changed.

Author: Daysi Perez Mendez