Actor Onoe Kikugorō V c. late 19th century

Hasegawa Chikuyō painted "Actor Onoe Kikugorō V" using ink and color on silk during the Meiji period. The print immortalizes the celebrated Kabuki actor Onoe Kikugorō V, capturing a moment of his on-stage presence. Kabuki emerged as a unique theatrical form that was a blend of music, drama, and dance. Kabuki dismantled traditional gender norms through its practice of onnagata, where male actors play female roles. This performance challenges viewers to consider the fluidity of gender. Kabuki performances resonated deeply with the urban classes, allowing them to see their social concerns represented on stage. The work serves as a cultural artifact that preserves the legacy of Kabuki theater and explores the complex identities of its performers. It invites us to reflect on the emotional depth and cultural significance of theatrical traditions.