Tenugui on the Kabuki Stage: Talk and Video Presentation, Thursday,July 15

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Tenugui on the Kabuki Stage

A Talk and Video Presentation by Toshi Aoyagi

Program Officer, The Japan Foundation, Toronto



Date: Thursday, July 15, 6:30 – 8:30 pm

Location: The Japan Foundation , Toronto , 131 Bloor St. W. , 2nd Floor of the Colonnade Building

Admission: Free

Reservation required: www.jftor.org/whatson/rsvp.php or (416) 966-1600 x229


Complementing the exhibition Tenugui Towels: Design Excellence in Japanese Daily Life

Tenugui are one of the most expressive, effective props on the Kabuki stage. Some male characters hide their faces or wrap their heads with Tenugui, using a special style of wrapping that frames and enhances the actors’ handsome features. Female characters, traditionally performed by male actors, take particular advantage of Tenugui in their dance programs. Simple cloths are imaginatively transformed into various objects, such as letters and water. In other scenes, Tenugui’s length assists the actors in conjuring up their feminine sensuality. Visual arts programmer Toshi Aoyagi will discuss the various ways Tenugui are used in Kabuki Theatre, and present video clips illustrating their use in different plays.