1.
female-role actor in kabuki, male actor playing female roles
A male actor who specializes in playing female roles in kabuki theater. Since women were banned from performing kabuki in 1629, all female roles have been played by male actors trained from childhood in feminine movement, speech, and mannerisms.
Pronunciation
Also read as おやま, though おんながた is more standard. The kanji can also be written as 女方.
Usage
女形 is one of the major role types (役柄) in kabuki. The counterpart is 立役 (male-role actor). Famous 女形 include members of the Bandō and Nakamura acting families.
The art of 女形 is considered one of kabuki's defining features and is highly respected as a specialized skill.
Common collocations
Related Words
Related:
歌舞伎 (kabuki theater)
Compare:
立役 (leading male role)
Compare:
女役 (female role)