Six actors dreaming of their roles, from the series "Spring Plays of 1804: The Pillow of Kontan (Koshi haru kyogen kontan no makura)" 1804

Utagawa Toyokuni I created this woodblock print, "Six actors dreaming of their roles," around 1804. It reflects the vibrant Kabuki theatre scene of Edo-period Japan and is a commentary on the performative arts and the social roles they embody. The print is divided into halves, each showing three actors in their off-stage personas, dreaming of the characters they play on stage. We see both male and female characters, samurai and geisha, reflecting the diversity of Kabuki roles and the actors who embody them. During the Edo period, Kabuki was a vital part of urban culture, often challenging social norms. Prints like these served as promotional material for the theatre, and offered fans a glimpse into the actor's lives. To fully appreciate this work, we might consult playbills, theatre records, and biographical information on the actors themselves. This would provide more insight into the social and institutional context that shaped both the art and the entertainment of the time.