“Katari” in Kabuki

Abstract

In the present paper the writer explains various phases of “katari” in kabuki.

“Katari” in Joruri controls the whole drama-the narrator, “tayu”, speaks for all the characters in the play and describes the scenery and the psychology of the characters, as if he were God (who knows all).

Kabuki has different methods and constructions. Actors, playing their roles, speak their own lines. However, kabuki demonstrates various kinds of narration, such as “tsurane” or “yakuharai” (a long narrative speech in decorative diction), “monogatari” (a speech to narrate a long episode).