what are the roots of kabuki?

Kabuki is a form of traditional Japanese drama with singing and dancing. Though it’s known for its gaudy costumes and coarse humour, it has always been a serious art form that provided a vivid commentary on society. It began in 1603 when a woman named Izumo no Okuni achieved popularity with parodies of Buddhist prayers. She assembled a troupe of all-female players to tour her show but the sensuous character of their dancing and allegations of prostitution led to women being banned from performing in 1629. Kabuki endures to this day but as a male-only art form.