noun

• (often capitalized) A form of Japanese theatre in which elaborately costumed male performers use stylized movements, dances, and songs in order to enact tragedies and comedies.
  "Despite its self-consciously assumed irreverence toward traditional practices, “Hokaibo” incorporates all the essential elements of classic Kabuki: the all-male company of actors, exaggerated makeup, the stomping dances, the arresting, cross-eyed poses at moments of high drama that are recognized and applauded."
• (by extension, US) A stylized, pretentious, and often hollow performance; (especially) political posturing.
  "The whole "weapons of mass destruction" concern was phony from the start, and the drama about inspections was just kabuki: going through the motions."