Shosagoto
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Shosagoto (所作事) or furigoto (振事), also known as dance or dance-drama, is a type of kabuki play based on dance.[1] It is one of the three genres of kabuki, together with jidaimono (historical plays) and sewamono (contemporary plays).
A central element of kabuki since its origin in 1603, shosagoto plays became an important part of the kabuki repertoire towards the end of the 17th century, and still forms a key part of the kabuki repertoire today. For example, the January 2018 program at the Kabuki-za in Tokyo included three shosagoto performances.[2]
There are several types of kabuki dances. An important difference is between the mainly non-narrative dances with nagauta accompaniment (such as Fuji Musume), and the more dramatic ones, with complex storylines and characters (such as Kanjinchō).[3] The nagauta musicians are often seated in rows on stepped platforms behind the dancers.[4] There are many other distinctions and styles. For example, matsubame mono dances include particularly theatricalized sets and costumes, often including quick on-stage changes of clothes (called hikinuki).[5][3] Hengemono dances involve a single actor playing different roles.[6]