Kabuki (歌舞伎) is a classical form of Japanese dance-drama. Kabuki theatre is known for its 'heavily-stylised' performances, the often-glamorous costumes worn by performers, and for the elaborate 'kumadori' make-up worn by some of its performers.

Kabuki is thought to have originated in the very early Edo period, when founder Izumo no Okuni formed a female dance troupe who performed dances and light sketches in Kyoto. The art form had later developed into its present all-male theatrical form after women were banned from performing in kabuki theatre in 1629. Kabuki developed throughout the late 17th century and had reached its zenith in the mid-18th century.

Since the word "kabuki" is believed to derive from the verb kabuku, meaning "to lean" or "to be out of the ordinary", the word "kabuki" can also be interpreted as "avant-garde" or "bizarre" theatre.

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