The Actor in Female Role 

Utagawa Kunisada made this woodblock print called "The Actor in Female Role" in Japan sometime in the first half of the 19th century. It gives us a glimpse into the world of Kabuki theater. Kabuki emerged in the 17th century as popular entertainment that often pushed against the strict social norms of the time. The government tried to regulate it, but Kabuki found ways to remain playful and subversive. One of its key features was the onnagata, male actors who specialized in female roles. Kunisada was known for his portraits of Kabuki actors, and here he captures one in full costume and makeup. Note the elaborate wig and the stylized facial expression. The actor embodies an idealized image of femininity, but with a wink. Understanding this print requires looking at the social history of Kabuki. What kind of audience did it attract? How did it challenge or reinforce social hierarchies? These are the questions we can explore by looking at playbills, diaries, and other historical documents from the period.