The Kabuki clan

Status quo was an important aspect of the Tokugawa government. They took pains to distinguish the physical and social barriers in between classes this is as history relates a part of the Tokugawa government’s philosophy. In a move to control population it was ordered that non-aristocrats be grouped into clans or guilds between which, movement is constrained. To date, kabuki clans control the activities of theatres and outsiders who yearn to become a part of their profession would find it hard to gain entrance.

Comparisons and similarities between the rise of kabuki in Japan and Shakespearean theatre in England are always made. Nevertheless there are remarkable similarities considering their independent development. Both emerged almost at the same time, and when the merchant classes of both countries were increasing in power and influence. In Shakespearean theatre male actors played all female roles, and there are several parallels in stage technique and style of delivery. Both forms of theatre have historical and domestic divisions of subject matter, and both had an existence linked with the pleasure districts.