To what extent does stage design impact, influence, and enhance a traditional Kabuki theatre performance, more specifically, in the eighteenth century play Yoshitsune Senbon Zakura (Yoshitsune and the Thousand Cherry Trees) written by Takeda Izumo II, Namiki Senryû I, and Miyoshi Shôraku?

Table of Contents
Title Page………………………………………..………………………………….....…….Page 1
Table of Contents………………………………………………………………...………….Page 2
Subject of Essay………………………………...………………………………..………Page 3-10 * Introduction……………………………………….....………………………………Page 3 * Kabuki and Kabuki History……………………………………….....……………Page 3-4 * Aspects of Stage Design………………………………………………...……...…Page 4-6 * Yoshitsune Senbon Zakura and Yoshitsune Senbon Zakura History…………..…Page
The stage curtain is called the Joshiki-maku and when closed this hides everything already described. Except the Naraku, which is never seen by anyone and was used back when the stage was solely operated by human power. The only visible thing when the stage is closed is the Hanamichi, one of the most important aspects of Kabuki stage design. The Hanamichi is a passage, almost like a runway, on the side of the Shimote and it extends out into the audience. It is used for the entrance and exits of the actors, especially useful in the masses. Hanamichi translate into the flower path, which can be attributed to all of it various uses. On the Hanamichi is the Suppon, a smaller Seri. A Seri is that trap door that provides for quick and dramatic exits and entrances and the Suppon acts as the same thing. The final important aspect of the stage, also in the Hanamichi is the Agemaku, a huge curtain hung at the end, or beginning of the Hanamichi and is used to present characters.
Yoshitsune Senbon Zakura and Yoshitsune Senbon Zakura History Now that Kabuki, its history and specific aspect of stage design are understood. It is time to understand Yoshitsune Senbon Zakura, also known as Yoshitsune and the Thousand Cherry Trees written by Takeda Izumo II, Miyoshi Shôraku and,