BANDO TAMASABURO: KABUKI ONNAGATA, FEMALE IMPERSONATOR. JAPANESE THEATER, KABUKI MAKEUP AND COSTUMES.
Does the name Bando Tamasaburo ring a bell for anyone? Like Mana-sama, he’s a multi-talented performer who transforms himself into an outerworldly female beauty. While browsing in Shinjuku’s Kinokuniya bookstore, I fell in love with his gorgeous new photo-book. I couldn’t resist taking a few sneaky snaps to share with you (please excuse my crucifix-fingers in the left corner!)
Bando Tamasaburo is the world’s most feted onnagata, or male actor who plays female parts in Kabuki theater. His physical beauty, grace, and subtle expression are mesmerizing to watch:
Born in 1950, Bando Tamasaburo has been a Kabuki artist since childhood. A Renaissance man (or woman), he designs his own sets and costumes, performs in every genre from Shakespeare to dance, and collaborates with Western artists such as Yo-Yo Ma. I hope I’ll be able to see him perform live someday.
Hope you’re having a lovely and lazy Sunday! Speaking of male artists in white facepaint… there’s a mega-giveaway involving Marilyn Manson coming up on this site… you don’t want to miss it. (Add me on Twitter so that you’ll be the first to know.)
Song of the Day #137: Bardo Tamasaburo – “Orochi” (Great Serpent)
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30 Comments
I just saw the pictures and the video you posted..AMAZING!*____*
:D Sooo inspiring. I really want to see this in person.
I just saw the pictures and the video you posted..AMAZING!*____*
:D Sooo inspiring. I really want to see this in person.
wow, that interesting :D
MARILYN MANSON! neat
wow, that interesting :D
MARILYN MANSON! neat
I know Tamasaburo-sama.
He is ten times more graceful and thrilling that any woman will ever be!
nice…intereseting
bando tamasaburo rulz…
just love him…
I know Tamasaburo-sama.
He is ten times more graceful and thrilling that any woman will ever be!
nice…intereseting
bando tamasaburo rulz…
just love him…
Very cool, I really enjoyed the video. Its also interesting to think my dad is Bando's age, would have a completely different childhood for me ^^.
Also I have seen Yo-Yo Ma in person thanks to Columbia College, I was right up front as he performed and then spoke with us (actually he only played one song the rest was speaking with us).
Ah, no way! I went to Columbia, and they were always great about inviting performers.
I should clarify I didn't go to school there (although yes I've noticed you've typed it a few times). Since becoming a teaching in Manhattan I've gone to Columbia a few times for workshops/presentations etc. If I go for another Masters or higher its on my list of possible schools (a huge change in mindset from my 'cheaper, faster, better' approach for undergrad, or my 'good but affordable' grad school method).
Very cool, I really enjoyed the video. Its also interesting to think my dad is Bando’s age, would have a completely different childhood for me ^^.
Also I have seen Yo-Yo Ma in person thanks to Columbia College, I was right up front as he performed and then spoke with us (actually he only played one song the rest was speaking with us).
Ah, no way! I went to Columbia, and they were always great about inviting performers.
I should clarify I didn’t go to school there (although yes I’ve noticed you’ve typed it a few times). Since becoming a teaching in Manhattan I’ve gone to Columbia a few times for workshops/presentations etc. If I go for another Masters or higher its on my list of possible schools (a huge change in mindset from my ‘cheaper, faster, better’ approach for undergrad, or my ‘good but affordable’ grad school method).
He's fantastic!
He’s fantastic!
BaNdo Tamasaburo, not Bardo. Please check your sources better if you're publishing something online.
Wow, I'm glad you told me. I don't know how I made that typo! Edited. :)
BaNdo Tamasaburo, not Bardo. Please check your sources better if you’re publishing something online.
Wow, I’m glad you told me. I don’t know how I made that typo! Edited. :)
I heard about their show, but never have had an experience to see one yet. I heard that they take ghostly make-ups. Is that true? Their costumes are long, but look nice on them.
I heard about their show, but never have had an experience to see one yet. I heard that they take ghostly make-ups. Is that true? Their costumes are long, but look nice on them.
I heard about their show, but never have had an experience to see one yet. I heard that they take ghostly make-ups. Is that true? Their costumes are long, but look nice on them.
…so beautiful. The elegance stole me and the simple movement of white cranes clinging to the little moonlight that shly peeks thru the night clouds lives in her gestures. I miss Japan very much. Thanks for sharing this video.
…so beautiful. The elegance stole me and the simple movement of white cranes clinging to the little moonlight that shly peeks thru the night clouds lives in her gestures. I miss Japan very much. Thanks for sharing this video.
osome……………..great actor…………….