The Takarazuka revue: Creating the perfect man

The Takarazuka revue is an esteemed all-female theatre ensemble birthed in the town of Takarazuka, Japan. Initially a small troupe founded by Kobayashi Ichizo, a visionary entrepreneur with an ardent passion for live performance. Established approximately 111 years ago at the time of writing this. The group's humble beginnings quickly grew into a phenomenal, successful, and renowned institution with a dedicated cult following. Despite the troupe's success, few people in the West have been involved in their discourse.

This thesis will examine and appreciate the collaborative efforts of the scenographers, designers, and actors involved in the meticulous process of creating the otokoyaku. Especially the mutually beneficial relationship designers and actors have, augmenting each other's strengths. This thesis's primary focus is on the otokoyaku, the male role specialists within the revue. It inquires how the combination of makeup and costume intensifies an actor's performance. And why does that contribute to creating the appealing persona of the otokoyaku? This thesis structure will be comprised of three chapters, chapter one will be dedicated to the power of makeup, chapter two praises costume design and chapter three examines the nuances of body language displayed during a live performance.