scenery modifications can be accomplished without lowering the curtain. Mood changes can occur rapidly adding to the excitement of kabuki. (Inoura 184-186). This kind of stage is still around today but other components of kabuki have been changed as the rest of the world grew and modernized.Western influence and modernization have affected kabuki greatly. When Japan broadened communications with Western nations in the mid 1800’s and after WWII, kabuki and Japan were influenced (Kitazawa 4. Many bans were lifted and the theater needed to convert to modern ways (Johnson 1). One example of change is the seating in the auditoriums. In earlier years the viewers would watch on a tatami-mat floor. However during the Meiji rule the government proclaimed that some theaters were required to have chairs and in the early twentieth century Western seating was mandatory (Inoura 184). Another change in kabuki was the atmosphere of the plays. In earlier times going to a kabuki play was casual and a way to relax and escape the suppression of the government and pressures of social class (Inoura 186). It was also a retreat for homosexuals from their prejudices (Hamamura 121). Today, however, kabuki is a formal affair. It is still popular with older generations. The television and movie generation is not used to kabuki’s unique traits and traditions (Hamamura 120, Johnson 1).Despite these changes happening around kabuki’s environment it still focuses on values of the past and maintains its traditions . This is due to the dedication of the kabuki actors (Kitazawa 1). The hard work of the pioneers of kabuki has resulted in a wonderful form of drama and a major component in Japanese culture and drama.Work Cited Graves, William . "Human Treasures of Japan." National Geographic Explorer, September 1972: p. 378Hamamura, Yonezo. Kabuki. Tokyo: The Kenkyusha Press. 1966. Inoura, Yoshinobu, and Toshio Kawatake. The Traditional Theater of Japan. N...
