Kabuki Actor Ichikawa Monnosuke II as Shinozuka in a Shibaraku (Stop Right There!) Scene 1790

Editor: So, this woodblock print is by Katsukawa Shunko, dating from around 1790. It’s called "Kabuki Actor Ichikawa Monnosuke II as Shinozuka in a Shibaraku Scene." The striking red and intense expression give it a powerful presence. How do you interpret this work? Curator: This print offers a fascinating glimpse into the intersection of theater, gender, and social power in Edo-period Japan. Kabuki was a space where societal norms could be both reinforced and subverted. The “Shibaraku” scene itself is a powerful intervention, where a hero halts injustice. Editor: What do you mean by intervention? Curator: Well, consider the exaggerated makeup and costume: they visually disrupt conventional portrayals of masculinity, challenging established social hierarchies. Also the androgynous nature of Kabuki actors added to the social dialogue. The actor, playing the role of Shinozuka, uses their power to disrupt injustice and right wrongs. Do you see the message of challenging authority, acting as a reminder that injustice could be challenged even within rigid social structures? Editor: That’s interesting; the character, costume and drama really disrupt any common readings. So, Kabuki allowed space to confront real-world injustice. Curator: Exactly! The "Shibaraku" performance, encapsulated in this print, became a form of social commentary. This print immortalizes not just a performance, but also a potent symbol of resistance, wouldn't you agree? Editor: I do. It definitely reframes how I see Ukiyo-e prints; there’s a lot more going on than just pretty pictures. Curator: Precisely! The print makes a dialogue on gender, social expectation, and the possibility of challenging the status quo in a way I never considered.