IRUKA CHÛBATSU
   
Play title Imoseyama Onna Teikin  In Japanese
Mt Imo and Mt Se: A Tale of Womanly Virtue
Common title Iruka Chûbatsu  In Japanese
Authors Chikamatsu Hanji
Miyoshi Shôraku
Matsuda Boku
Eizenbei
Chikamatsu Tônan
History

The play "Imoseyama Onna Teikin" was originally written for the puppet theater (Bunraku) and staged for the first time in the 1st lunar month of 1771 in Ôsaka at Takeda Shinmatsu's theater (ex-Takemotoza). It was quickly adapted for Kabuki and staged in Kyôto in the 3rd lunar month of 1771 at the Kitagawa no Shibai [casting]. It was a long run, produced from the 25th day of the 3rd lunar month to the 10th of the 5th lunar month of 1771.

Structure

"Iruka Chûbatsu" is the last scene of the 4th act of "Imoseyama Onna Teikin". It is occasionally staged as part of a tôshi kyôgen production.

Key words Asuka Jidai
Chûbatsu
Fujiwara Kamatari
Fujiwara Tankai
Gidayû Kyôgen
Giri/Ninjô
Imoseyama
Jidaimono
Ôchômono
Ôdaimono
Soga Iruka
Taika no Kaishin
Summary

An entertainment is being held in the rear garden of the palace for Soga no Iruka's benefit. Princess Tachibana dances but as she does so, she tries to take the magic sword as she promised to Fujiwara no Tankai. But Iruka is on guard and easily cuts her down. However, the sound of a flute is heard and Iruka lose consciousness. The magic sword at his side flies into the air of its own volition, changing to the form of a dragon. Wounded as she is, Princess Tachibana tries to follow. Although weakened, Iruka is still able to resist Kanawa Gorô Imakuni, Daihanji no Kiyozumi and the others who confront him in the rear garden. However, Fujiwara no Kamatari's daughter, Uneme, as imperial messenger, produces the Sacred Mirror against which Iruka is helpless. Kamatari, himself, delivers the final blow.

Illustration from the ezukushi banzuke for the "Iruka Chûbatsu" scene of the drama "Imoseyama Onna Teikin", which was staged in the 3rd lunar month of 1771 at the Kitagawa Higashi no Shibai with Nakayama Raisuke I, Mimasu Tokujirô I, Onoe Shinshichi I and Fujimatsu Sanjûrô I in the roles of Soga no Iruka, Princess Tachibana, Fujiwara no Kamatari and Fujiwara no Tankai

 
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