Taishū engeki

Taishū engeki (大衆演劇, lit. "theatre of/for the masses") is a genre of popular theatre in Japan, frequently described as "light theatre", and compared to forms such as musical theatre and the revue.

Though different interpretations and definitions abound, the chief distinguishing feature of taishū engeki is the notion that it is intended as entertainment for regular people. The form does not purport itself to be high art, nor to contain deep or powerful philosophical or political themes or messages. Taishū engeki troupes tend not to be connected with a single theatre, but travel, performing at small local theatres, community centers and the like. Ticket prices are relatively low compared with the major forms of urban theatre, such as kabuki, opera, and Broadway musicals, and efforts are made to inspire a feeling of closeness between the audience and the performers.

The term taishū engeki, literally meaning "theatre of/for the masses," came to be applied to the genre to distinguish it from the more traditional of Japan's theatrical arts, such as kabuki, bunraku, and Noh. Though kabuki, bunraku, and many other pre-modern forms of Japanese performing arts were originally entertainment for the peasantry or commoner classes, they have since come to be seen as "traditional arts," and have come to bear an importance and air of high culture which the taishū engeki form is not granted.

As a result of its literal meaning, the term "taishū engeki" is both vague and controversial. The form is a more specific and singular one than the generic term of "mass theatre" might imply. Furthermore, there are those within the sphere of taishū engeki who object to the plebeian denotation of the word taishū (the masses).

Nevertheless, for lack of a better term, the moniker of taishū engeki continues to be widely used.

Taishū engeki performances are generally split into two sections. A short play or skit will feature most of the troupe in a brief story, often set in the Edo period (in which kabuki and bunraku are also set), and featuring human interest elements (see sewamono) as well as swordfights and historical or samurai themes (see jidaimono). This is followed by a series of dance numbers with no connection to the plot or characters of the previous skit, each performer appearing on stage alone, one at a time. The performers wear traditional-style kimono and over-the-top make-up, dancing to enka, a genre of melodramatic music akin to lounge music; fog machines and various lighting effects add to the flashiness of the dance numbers.

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