Aragoto
Encyclopedia
, or rough style, is a style of kabuki
acting that uses exaggerated, dynamic kata
(forms or movements) and speech. Often, aragoto actors wear bold red or blue makeup (kumadori
), and have costumes that are padded and enlarged. The term aragoto is an abbreviation of the term aramushagoto, which literally means reckless warrior matter.
The style was created and pioneered by Ichikawa Danjūrō I
, an actor in the Edo
region, and has come to be epitomized by his successors in the Ichikawa Danjūrō
line. Roles such as the leads in Sukeroku and Shibaraku
are particularly representative of the style. Aragoto is often contrasted with wagoto
(soft) style, which emerged around the same time but focuses on more naturalistic drama.
Kabuki
is classical Japanese dance-drama. Kabuki theatre is known for the stylization of its drama and for the elaborate make-up worn by some of its performers.The individual kanji characters, from left to right, mean sing , dance , and skill...
acting that uses exaggerated, dynamic kata
Kata
is a Japanese word describing detailed choreographed patterns of movements practised either solo or in pairs. The term form is used for the corresponding concept in non-Japanese martial arts in general....
(forms or movements) and speech. Often, aragoto actors wear bold red or blue makeup (kumadori
Kumadori
is stage makeup worn by kabuki actors, particularly when performing in the bold and bombastic aragoto style. Kumadori makeup generally consists of brightly-colored stripes or patterns over a white foundation, the colors and patterns symbolizing aspects of the actor's character...
), and have costumes that are padded and enlarged. The term aragoto is an abbreviation of the term aramushagoto, which literally means reckless warrior matter.
The style was created and pioneered by Ichikawa Danjūrō I
Ichikawa Danjūrō I
Ichikawa Danjūrō I was an early kabuki actor in Japan. He remains today one of the most famous of all kabuki actors and is considered one of the most influential...
, an actor in the Edo
Edo
, also romanized as Yedo or Yeddo, is the former name of the Japanese capital Tokyo, and was the seat of power for the Tokugawa shogunate which ruled Japan from 1603 to 1868...
region, and has come to be epitomized by his successors in the Ichikawa Danjūrō
Ichikawa Danjuro
is a stage name taken on by a series of Kabuki actors of the Ichikawa family. Most of these were blood relatives, though some were adopted into the family. It is a famous and important name, and receiving it is an honor...
line. Roles such as the leads in Sukeroku and Shibaraku
Shibaraku
Shibaraku is among the most popular pieces in the Kabuki repertoire, and one of the celebrated Kabuki Jūhachiban . The flamboyantly dramatic costume and makeup used in this scene is famous and widely associated by the average Westerner with Kabuki in general...
are particularly representative of the style. Aragoto is often contrasted with wagoto
Wagoto
, or soft style, is a style of kabuki acting that emphasizes realistic speech and gestures. Wagoto actors typically do not employ the exaggerated makeup and costuming common to the more exaggerated aragoto style....
(soft) style, which emerged around the same time but focuses on more naturalistic drama.