Ichikawa Ennosuke III, kabuki actor hailing from a historical line of kabuki actors. Here, we see him apply his stage makeup (kumadori, 隈取) whilst preparing for a very special play, Date no Juyaku.
This play is five hours long and Ichikawa portrays 10 different roles with 47 costume changes, which require a great amount of speed and stamina, as well as a great proficiency is switching between male and female roles. The physical toll of such a performance is immense. To do these quick role changes, he has to scurry under the stage floorboards, clamber up ladders, run from backstage to the lobby and back, and also speak in one character's voice backstage while his assistants are helping to change his costume to that of another character.
It is worth mentioning that most actors specialize in either male or female roles. It is only exceptionally skilled kabuki actors who can alternate between both and who can also perform in this historical play.
sources: Ennosuke III: Kabuki Actor (1984) & DATE NO JÛYAKU
