Kabuki Theater is a basic introduction to the history and development of the theater for the common man during the Edo Period (1603-1854). It actually was started by a woman, though now all the actors are men.
Kabuki Theater II contains more information. The article compares Kabuki to the Noh theater and explains its uneasy relationship to the ruling shogunate.
Opening Night at the Morita Theater helps you explore the Shibaraku Kabuki Performance captured in three woodblock prints by Utagawa Kunisada. Dartmouth College and Professor Allen Hockley host a very interesting site, fully illustrated.
Kabuki Juhachiban are eighteen famous dramatic heroe plays. They are popular for the key dramatic moments that allow an actor to excel.
The Tale of Heike Heroes from the epic Tale of Heike inspired the artwork on many hanten. This article explains the plot of one battle from the Tale of Heike that is a famous and well-loved Kabuki play. Beware! It's more complicated than a soap opera.
Kabuki Terminology introduces you to basic terms and how they relate to the plays.
Noh Theater looks at the history and development of this refined theater form supported by the shogun and samurai. It has information about Noh masks and the unique stage design.
Bunraku Theater is totally different from our Western puppet theater. This article traces the history and development of Bunraku. Many Bunraku plays were adapted for the Kabuki theater.
Osaka Prints, Inc. has compiled a resource of 32 articles on various aspects of Osaka Kabuki actors, themes, plays and prints. Check out article No. 9 on Fantstic Fans - as in over the top actor fan clubs.
Kabuki 21 hosts this site with in-depth information about Kabuki, the actors, the plays and a kabuki glossary. Click on "Prints and Illustrations" to see large, colorful digital images of great actor prints, as well as actors in landscape prints and two section of caricatures. For the true "Kabukiphile."
Shochiku Kabuki this is the website of the premier contemporary Kabuki production company. You can see what's currently on the Kabuki stages in Tokyo and Osaka. There are also interesting articles on various aspects of kabuki, such as the costumes, use of music and male actors playing female roles.