Kabuki – On Stage, Behind the Scenes: Photographs by Akio Kushida and Stephanie Berger

This exhibition presents a selection of photographs on the subject of kabuki theatre, the popular Japanese style of drama which developed around four hundred years ago and still thrives today. Drawing on the recent work of photographers Akio Kushida and Stephanie Berger, the large-format prints explore the history and traditions of the dramatic form, taking for their focus the celebrated actor Nakamura Kanzaburo XVIII and his two sons and heirs. Also conveyed – in the photographs and with accompanying video – is the energetic and colourful, sometimes raucous nature of modern-day kabuki performance.

Admission: Free

Special Event

6 August 2016, 2.30 - 4.00pm
Artist Talk: Akio Kushida:Photographing Kabuki Backstage

Photographer Akio Kushida will share her photographs and experiences of capturing the backstage view of kabuki and other forms of Japanese theatre. Her photographs are currently on display in the Pittt Rivers Museum’s exhibition Kabuki – On Stage, Behind the Scenes.

17 September 2016

Artist Talk: Ronald Cavaye: The Japanese Stage

Ronald Cavaye, co-author of A Guide to the Japanese Stage, will speak about the history and traditions of kabuki theatre.