Transvestia

he explained, penciling thin lines over the white makeup to create a mask of tragedy. "One cannot only play the woman. One must be the woman, or else it is merely disguise. (How true!) "But we are fortunate today, we onnagata. We lead normal lives on the outside. Once upon a time, all onnagata were required to dress as women both inside and outside the theater. They even had to use the female entrances to public baths."

Curtain time approached, and I had time for one question. With all of Tokyo's new wealth, I said, with the emphasis on change and progress, what would become of the old values? Would kabuki, for example, survive among a younger generation that seemed to care little for tradition and the past? A faint smile lit Tomoemon's stylized features.

"Kabuki will survive," he answered quietly. "Like any great art, it is based on human truth. Truth appeals to all generations. Is it not the same with your Western art? Will Shakespeare not survive in the modern age?"

COPIES OF VIRGINIA'S TAPE FROM THE BURKE SHOW

It is a little awkward to say this since it sounds too much like blowing my own horn but I know some will be interested so here goes.

I have received a copy of the voice tape from my appearance on the Alan Burke show March 2nd. One of the girls out here in L.A. whose hobby is taping has expressed a willingness to make a copy of this tape for anyone who is interested. If you want one send a 5 inch reel of tape plus the return postage to me and I will get her to copy it for you and will return it. Her only stipulation is that you provide lubricated tape as the non-lubricated variety wears out the recording heads. Tape can be mailed at 4th Class rates so mark your package accordingly.

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