Kabuki is a traditional form of
Japanese theater. It was founded early in the 17th century by
Okuni, a
shrine maiden who brought her unique and lively dance style to the dry river beds of the ancient capital of
Kyoto, and over the next 300 years it developed into a sophisticated, highly stylized form of theater.
Though Kabuki was created by a woman, since early on all roles have been taken by men. Men who play the roles of women are referred to as 'onnagata', female role specialists.
Kabuki plays and dances may be about grand historical events or the everyday life of people in the Edo period(1600-1868).