근대 가부키극장의 성립과 변용

Abstract

This paper examines organization of 'Sintomi-za', policy for drama improvement' and their effects on establishment of 'Kabuki-za', the modern Kabuki theater. First, it is thought that although the number of 'Sintomi-za' audiences was decreased due to radical reformation of it which was driven into a corner in terms of management because of its dept, their favors for 'high-class society' and status of theater are consequently increased, so it came to be perceived as superior to other theaters. Second, from Club for Theater Improvement's involvement in Kabuki, which was founded principally by politics, economics, media and academics, realized the theater as 'the ideal of middle-class society'. Therefore, construction of the Western-style theater and improvement of actors'/actresses' behaviors were promoted. There seemed no substantial performances from improvements of play and theatergoing method, but the improvements might have a significant effect on change of Kabuki by realizing 'Cheonnam-Kabuki' which meant that Japanese emperor went to see the Kabuki. Third, the 'Kabuki-za' founded by a member of Club of Theater Improvement began with the purpose of 'moderate improvement'. It is supposed that the direction of improvement was changed toward modern theater with commercial by individual investors, due to concerns about low box office record because of drastic reformation. In conclusion, the opening of 'Sintomi-za' and the Club of Theater Improvement's involvement in Kabuki seemed to play a significant role in establishing the modern Kabuki theater as they induced an enhancement of Kabuki which had been underestimated until then, with a view to realizing the theater as 'the ideal of middle-class society'