Arts News

Major theatrics in Melbourne!

By | | comments |
Major theatrics in Melbourne!
(Photo courtesy Bill McAuley | billmcauleyphotographer.com)

Japanese Kabuki performers took the stage in Melbourne, electrifying audiences with their unique style. (Photo, 1988.)

Big on heavily stylised drama with lavish costumes, Kabuki theatre performers are utterly breathtaking in full kumadori make-up.

The term "kabuki" originates from a Japanese verb that describes young samurai and is best translated as "offbeat." 

**This photograph is part of an IA series that looks at Australia through the lens of award-winning photojournalist, Bill McAuley.**

Bill McAuley's 40-plus-year news career began in 1969 as a cadet photographer at 'The Age' in Melbourne.

He has several published collections, including 'Portraits of the Soul: A lifetime of images with Bill McAuley'. To see more from Bill, click here.

Related Articles

Support independent journalism Subscribe to IA.

 
Recent articles by Bill McAuley
A phoenix from the ashes: Caveat crucifix denies bushfire

The January 2026 bushfires gutted Our Lady of Seven Sorrows in Caveat, Victoria... ...  
Diesel too dear? Give the vintage tractor a run

Tractors at ten paces: given the current price of diesel, this petrol-powered ...  
Colour me stoked: Torquay's 'chairman of the board'

All shapes and sizes — a surfboard fanatic from Torquay proudly displays his ...  
Join the conversation
comments powered by Disqus

Support Fearless Journalism

If you got something from this article, please consider making a one-off donation to support fearless journalism.

Single Donation

$

Support IAIndependent Australia

Subscribe to IA and investigate Australia today.

Close Subscribe Donate