So, we all picture the same thing when we think of a ninja; a dude clad entirely in black with a mask covering all but his eyes. In reality, ninjas did not dress this way. They wouldn't want to have a uniform/stand out.

I've been told the origins of this "costume" come from Japanese prop handlers in the theatre. They would wear these costumes and change props/sets while the play was going on, and the audience was essentially trained to just ignore them/blot them out.

Something I've heard recently, however, is that there was a specific play in medieval Japan that essentially "broke the fourth wall". At a certain point in the play, one of these prop handlers turned around and stabbed another actor, revealing themselves to be a ninja and darting off. After this, many other plays copied them until the kabuki prop handler costume became the ninja costume. My question is; is there any record of this happening and is there any validty to this part of the story? It would certainly be cool if it were true, but I can't find anything on it. Thanks!