5 shows in Tôkyô (Shinbashi Enbujô, National Theatre, Heisei Nakamuraza) and 2 shows in Kyôto (Minamiza)!

Onoe Kikugorô, Sakata Tôjûrô, Nakamura Tokizô, Matsumoto Kôshirô, Nakamura Baigyoku, Nakamura Fukusuke, Kataoka Hidetarô, Ichikawa Sadanji, Ichikawa Somegorô and Ichikawa Danzô perform at the Shinbashi Enbujô!

Ichikawa Danjûrô, Bandô Mitsugorô, Nakamura Kaishun, Bandô Yajûrô and Nakamura Tôzô perform at the National Theatre!

Nakamura Kanzaburô, Kataoka Nizaemon, Kataoka Gatô, Nakamura Senjaku, Nakamura Kankurô, Ichikawa Ebizô and Nakamura Shichinosuke perform at the Heisei Nakamuraza!

Nakamura Kichiemon, Nakamura Kanjaku, the new Nakamura Matagorô, the new Nakamura Kashô, Nakamura Shibajaku, Kataoka Ainosuke and Nakamura Kinnosuke perform at the Minamiza!

Onoe Kikugorô, Sakata Tôjûrô, Nakamura Tokizô, Matsumoto Kôshirô, Nakamura Baigyoku, Nakamura Fukusuke, Kataoka Hidetarô, Ichikawa Sadanji, Ichikawa Somegorô, Ichikawa Danzô, Bandô Hikosaburô, Ôtani Tomoemon, Matsumoto Kingo, Kawarasaki Gonjûrô, Ichimura Manjirô, Nakamura Utae, Nakamura Kikaku, Ichikawa Komazô, Bandô Kamesaburô, Bandô Kametoshi, Nakamura Matsue, Onoe Matsuya, Sawamura Sônosuke, Onoe Ukon, Nakamura Baishi, Matsumoto Kintarô, Ôtani Hirotarô, Ôtani Hiromatsu, Nakamura Mantarô

Arakawa no Sakichi: a modern classic by Mayama Seika, this play set in the late Edo period combines tears and laughter as it focuses on a gang member caught between the bitter territorial battles of the people around him, and his fierce determination to raise his child. Starring Ichikawa Somegorô and Matsumoto Kôshirô in the roles of Arakawa no Sakichi and Sagamiya Masagorô. Featuring also Nakamura Baigyoku, Nakamura Fukusuke, Ichikawa Komazô and Nakamura Kikaku.

Yamashina Kankyo: this is an act of the epic play based on a sensational incident in the early 17th century. Lord En'ya Hangan's attack on the senior official Kô no Moronô affected people even outside his own household. When Honzô, the senior retainer of another lord, stopped En'ya from killing Moronô, he thought that he was doing a good thing. But his actions earned him the scorn of Enya's retainers and brought personal tragedy to his daughter who was engaged to Rikiya, the son of Yuranosuke, En'ya's head retainer. The scene shows the tragedy as it affects Honzô's wife and daughter and how ultimately Honzô sacrifices his life to atone for his misjudgement. Starring Matsumoto Kôshirô as Honzô, Sakata Tôjûrô as his wife Tonase and Nakamura Fukusuke as his daughter Konami, with Onoe Kikugorô as Yuranosuke, Nakamura Tokizô as Yuranosuke's wife Ôboshi and Ichikawa Somegorô as Yuranosuke's son Rikiya.

Sakura Giminden: this play is rare among classics in having a political theme. It depicts a country landlord Kiuchi Sôgô (Matsumoto Kôshirô) who cannot stand the suffering of the farmers around him. A series of bad harvests has made things very hard, but corrupt officials refuse to lower taxes or relent in any way. Finally, Sôgô decides to bring the case directly to the Shôgun, a move punishable by death. The play shows Sôgô as he persuades the old keeper of the river crossing (Ichikawa Sadanji) to let him pass and says a final farewell to his wife Osan (Nakamura Fukusuke) and children. Meanwhile, he is watched by a villainous informer, Maboroshi no Chôkichi (Nakamura Baigyoku). Finally, Sôgô brings his case directly to the Shôgun (Ichikawa Somegorô), knowing that whether he is successful or not, he will be executed.

Tôzumô:
(Chinese sumô)
This is a rare Kabuki version of one of the most unusual plays in the repertory of plays from the classical Kyôgen comical theatre. A sumô wrestler in China wishes to return home and has to sumô wrestle first. One by one he confronts a series of Chinese opponents, finally wrestling the emperor himself. Featuring Onoe Kikugorô, Ichikawa Danzô and Ichikawa Sadanji.

Kosan Kingorô: this is a rare revival of a play about the actor Kanaya Kingorô from the early Edo period who became famous for his love affair with the courtesan Kosan. Their story inspired all sorts of plays. In this particular one, Kingorô (Nakamura Baigyoku) is a barber and Kosan (Nakamura Tokizô) is a courtesan. They do not know each other, but get involved in helping a loving couple to be united by struggling to get a precious tea caddy which has been pawned for fifty gold coins. When they are successful, they gradually learn that they encountered each other five years before on a boat, fell in love, but parted without knowing the other's identity. Kingorô and Kosan are happily united. Featuring also Kataoka Hidetarô in the role of Otsuru.

Source: Earphone Guide website

Ichikawa Danjûrô, Bandô Mitsugorô, Nakamura Kaishun, Bandô Yajûrô, Nakamura Tôzô, Kataoka Ichizô, Ichimura Kakitsu, Ichikawa Monnosuke, Bandô Shûchô, Bandô Minosuke

Ichi-no-Tani Futaba Gunki:
(Chronicle of the Battle of Ichi-no-Tani)
Namiki Sôsuke (1695~1751) is famous as one of the three playwrights that wrote the classic "Sugawara and the Secrets of Calligraphy", "Yoshitsune and the Thousand Cherry Trees" and "The Treasury of Loyal Retainers" for the puppet theatre. His final play, "Ichi-no-Tani Futaba Gunki", first performed in 1751 is known for its scene at Kumagai’s battle camp and is a great masterpiece that is performed frequently in Bunraku and Kabuki. The National Theatre continues its celebration of its 45th anniversary with a definitive production of this classic scene as well as a revival of two acts that have not been performed in Kabuki in many years. In the scene at the Horikawa Palace (last performed 98 years ago), the Heike clan has fled Kyôto and the Genji general Yoshitsune (Bandô Mitsugorô) must recover the three imperial regalia. He plans to do so by showing mercy to the imperial court and the Heike clan. Yoshitsune gives a veiled order to the warrior Kumagai (Ichikawa Danjûrô) to spare the life of the young Heike general Atsumori because he is actually the son of the retired emperor. He also tries to see that the Heike warrior Tadanori (Ichikawa Danjûrô) gets his final wish to have a poem included in an imperial anthology, even though it must be labeled “poet unknown” because the Heike clan has now been designated enemies of the imperial court. Yoshitsune sends Okabe no Rokuyata (Bandô Mitsugorô) to take this message to Tadanori. The "Nagashi no Eda" (Flowing Branch) scene was last performed in Kabuki in 1975 and continues the story of Tadanori, a famous historical figure who was a model of a warrior and a poet and is the subject of a famous classical Nô play. In this scene, Tadanori encounters Okabe no Rokuyata who eventually killed Tadanori in battle. The scene combines foreshadowing of Tadanori’s actual death with his romance with the daughter of the poet Shunzei and develops the theme of magnanimity and severity in wartime. Finally, the famous scene at Kumagai’s battle camp shows the anguish of Kumagai as he finds that the only way he can save the life of Atsumori is by sacrificing his own son. Featuring also Nakamura Tôzô and Nakamura Kaishun in the roles of Atsumori's mother Fuji-no-Kata and Kumagai's wife Sagami. Featuring also Bandô Yajûrô in the roles of Midaroku and Tagohei.

Source: Earphone Guide website

Nakamura Kanzaburô, Kataoka Nizaemon, Kataoka Gatô, Nakamura Senjaku, Nakamura Kankurô, Ichikawa Ebizô, Nakamura Shichinosuke, Nakamura Tsurumatsu, Nakamura Kotarô, Kataoka Sennosuke, Nakamura Toranosuke, Nakamura Muneo, Nakamura Kunio, Sasano Takashi

The Heisei Nakamuraza is back in Tôkyô in the popular district of Asakusa. This time, it is a 7-month project (performances up to May 2012!) for this temporary theater built within the Sumida Park. This month is special as the new Nakamura Kankurô, the heir of the Nakamuraya guild, will celebrate his shûmei at the family theater!

Shibaraku:
(Wait a Minute!)
More ceremony than play, "Shibaraku" is one of the oldest pieces in Kabuki. Just as an evil villain is about to execute a group of loyal retainers, a voice calls out for him to wait and a hero of justice (Ichikawa Ebizô) appears to save the day. This play features the bombastic aragoto style of acting, which is the specialty of the Ichikawa Danjûrô and Ichikawa Ebizô lines of actors and is part of the collection of the Eighteen Favorite Plays (Kabuki Jûhachiban) of the Ichikawa Family. The role of the villain is played by Kataoka Gatô.

Ichijô Ôkura Monogatari: the world is ruled by Taira no Kiyomori, the leader of the Heike clan. Tokiwa Gozen, the widow of the head of the defeated Genji clan and mother of Yoritomo and Yoshitsune, the future leaders of the clan, has become the mistress of the dictator Kiyomori, then the wife of Lord Ôkura, a seemingly simple-minded fool who spends all his time watching pretty women dance. Outraged members of the Genji clan sneak into Lord Ôkura's mansion only to discover that Tokiwa Gozen's immorality and Lord Ôkura's idiocy are a guise, the only way to survive in a world ruled by the enemy. This performance stars the new Nakamura Kankurô as Lord Ôkura, Nakamura Senjaku as Tokiwa Gozen, Kataoka Nizaemon as Yoshioka Kijirô and Nakamura Shichinosuke as Yoshioka's wife Okyô.

Bukaku Setsugekka: a modern series of dances featuring Nakamura Shichinosuke as the spirit of the cherry blossoms ("Sakura"), Kataoka Nizaemon and his grandson Kataoka Sennosuke as autumn insects under the full moon ("Matsumushi") and Nakamura Kanzaburô as a snowman ("Yuki Daruma Goyomi").

Domo Mata: the artist Matahei has been refused a professional name because of his stuttering. He makes a poor life by drawing folk paintings and decides to make one last effort to gain respectability. His wife Otoku, who is given as much to chatter as Matahei is silent, pleads his case. Turned down again by his master, Matahei decides to take his life. He draws a farewell portrait of himself, a painting so skillful that the lines seep through solid rock and this miracle convinces his master to confer a professional name. Starring Kataoka Nizaemon as Matahei and Nakamura Kanzaburô as his wife Otoku.

Kôjô: the close relationship between the actors and the audience is shown by these stage announcements, lavish ceremonies to commemorate various important events. In this case, all the stars of the cast assemble to celebrate the shûmei of Nakamura Kankurô VI at the Heisei Nakamuraza.

Gosho no Gorozô: a portrait of the Yoshiwara pleasure quarters at the height of its splendor. Rival gangs dressed in the height of fashion exchange stately speeches before fighting in the elaborate poetic cadences of Kawatake Mokuami, the last great playwright of Kabuki. Gorozô is the handsome leader of a gang, but his lover, the top courtesan Satsuki pretends to reject him to save his life. Tragedy strikes when Gorozô is driven to revenge. Starring the new Nakamura Kankurô as Gorozô, Ichikawa Ebizô as his rival in love, Nakamura Senjaku as Gorozô's lover, the courtesan Satsuki and Nakamura Shichinosuke as Ôshû, a courtesan who is tragically killed. Featuring also Kataoka Gatô.

Hanami Odori:
(Viewing the Cherry Blossoms in the Genroku Period)
A dance like a picture screen that recreates the splendid atmosphere of the early Edo period with the beautiful courtesans and samurai footmen in colorful and lavish costumes going to see the cherry blossoms. Featuring Nakamura Tsurumatsu, Nakamura Kotarô, Nakamura Toranosuke, Nakamura Muneo and Nakamura Kunio.

Source: Earphone Guide website

Nakamura Kichiemon, Nakamura Kanjaku, Nakamura Matagorô, Nakamura Kashô, Nakamura Shibajaku, Kataoka Ainosuke, Nakamura Kinnosuke, Nakamura Karoku, Nakamura Kazutarô, Sawamura Yoshijirô, Ôtani Keizô, Nakamura Hayato, Nakamura Yonekichi, Nakamura Tanenosuke, Nakamura Kichinosuke

Nakamura Matagorô III and his son Nakamura Kashô IV celebrate their shûmei in Kyôto! This is also the first Shûzan's Festival outside Tôkyô, which commemorates the memory of Nakamura Kichiemon's grandfather Nakamura Kichiemon I!

Ohama Goten: there are few plays more popular in Kabuki than "Chûshingura" or the Treasury of the Forty-Seven Loyal Retainers. In the modern period, this play was reworked by Mayama Seika as "Genroku Chûshingura", a play focusing on different incidents and different characters in this revenge classic adding historical details reflecting the Genroku period. One of the most popular parts of this play shows the man that will be the next Shôgun, seemingly detached from the vendetta, but in fact, intensely interested in the progress of the quest of the band of loyal retainers. Starring Kataoka Ainosuke as Lord Tsunatoyo and Nakamura Kinnosuke as Tominomori Suke’emon. Featuring also Nakamura Kazutarô and Nakamura Shibajaku.

Shôjô: the shôjô is a mythical sake-loving spirit that lives in the sea. In this dance, a sake seller has a mysterious customer that appears daily and drinks enormous amounts with great satisfaction. The sake seller has a dream with instructions to go by the beach with a large tub of sake. As it turns out, the customer has actually been the shôjô in disguise. The dance shows two shôjô as they drink and dance joyfully. Starring Nakamura Kanjaku and the new Nakamura Kashô as the shôjô.

Kumagai Jin'ya: this play is a dramatization of the clash between the Genji general Kumagai Jirô Naozane and the Heike warrior Taira no Atsumori at the battle of Ichi-no-Tani, one of the most famous passages of the epic "Tales of the Heike". In the Kabuki version, on the cryptic orders of the Genji leader Yoshitsune, Kumagai hides the enemy warrior Atsumori and has his own son take the warrior's place. On the battlefield, Kumagai has to kill his own son in Atsumori's place. Things become worse when his wife Sagami and Atsumori's mother Fuji-no-Kata arrive at his camp. In the highlight of the play, he tells them the story of his mortal battle with Atsumori, keeping Atsumori's well-being and his own sacrifice a secret. He then shows the head of Atsumori for inspection by his leader to see if he has interpreted his orders correctly. This performance stars Nakamura Kichiemon as Kumagai, with Nakamura Shibajaku as Kumagai's wife Sagami, Nakamura Kazutarô as Fuji-no-Kata, the new Nakamura Matagorô as Yoshitsune, the new Nakamura Kashô as Gunji and Nakamura Karoku as Midaroku.

Shunkan: the priest Shunkan (Nakamura Kichiemon) has been exiled to Devil's Island for plotting against the dictator Kiyomori. A pardon is given to his fellow conspirators, but Shunkan is only saved by an additional pardon given by Kiyomori's compassionate son. Even so, he gives up his place on the boat to freedom so his companion's new wife can accompany her husband back to the capital. The boat leaves and Shunkan is left watching is disappear in the distance, knowing he will be left on the island forever. Featuring Nakamura Karoku as the evil emissary Senoo and Nakamura Kinnosuke as the merciful envoy Tanzaemon. With Nakamura Shibajaku as the island girl Chidori and the new Nakamura Kashô as Naritsune, Shunkan's fellow exile who has fallen in love with her.

Kôjô: the close relationship between the actors and the audience is shown by these stage announcements, lavish ceremonies to commemorate various important events. In this case, all the stars of the cast assemble to celebrate the shûmei of Nakamura Matagorô III and his son Nakamura Kashô IV.

Funa Benkei: although he won a war against the enemy Heike clan, the young general Yoshitsune (Kataoka Ainosuke) has gained the disfavor of his brother, the Shôgun, and tries to flee to Kyûshû by boat. Before he sets sail, he must say farewell to his lover Shizuka (the new Nakamura Matagorô), who performs a dance expressing her grief at their separation. Once the boat sets sail, the spirit of the great Heike general Tomomori (the new Nakamura Matagorô), killed by Yoshitsune in battle at sea, appears and attacks to take revenge for the destruction of his clan. They are only saved by the prayers of Yoshitsune's companion, the warrior-priest Benkei (Nakamura Kanjaku). The roles of both Shizuka and Tomomori are played by the same actor. Featuring also Nakamura Kichiemon, the new Nakamura Kashô and Nakamura Kazutarô as boatmen.

Source: Earphone Guide website