In these qualities, perhaps no theater elsewhere in the world can excel the kabuki drama. There are about 300 plays in the conventional kabuki repertoire. To these, new plays are now being added by men of letters who are not directly associated with the kabuki. Previously, the plays were supplied almost exclusively by the playwrights of the kabuki theater itself. In the dance-drama, actors dance to the full accompaniment of vocal and instrumental music.
Many plays tell a complete story, while others are scarcely more than fragmental dance pieces.
Many of them have their origin in the noh drama and the kyogen plays. The remainder of the kabuki plays may be divided into two categories from the standpoint of theme and dramatis personae. These plays depict historical facts or present dramatized accounts of warriors or nobles. Many of them are heavy tragedies relieved only by momentary flashes of comedy. Many of the texts come from the puppet plays and they often call upon the hero to make the greatest possible sacrifices.