Bettyoko’s Kimono Diary
Go to the Theatre in Kimonos Vol. 36
Shuzan-sai, September Kabuki program at Kabukiza Theatre
“SAIKAI ZAKURA MISOME NO KIYOMIZU”in the evening showShuzan-sai is held at Kabukiza Theatre in September.This is the tenth performance of the special program to commemorate Kabuki star, Nakamura Kichiemon I who was popular from early the 19th to mid of the 20th century. Nakamura Kichiemon II who is not only his grandson but also adopted son inherited his great acting skills and passes it to next generation in this performance. Kichiemon II is performing “KIWAMETSUKE BANZUIIN CHOBEI” in the matinee and “HIRAKANA SEISUI KI-SAKARO” in the evening show.His clearly elocution and detailed yet dynamic acting style make us stretch our imagination of Kichiemon I’ s performances in those days.And then, “SAIKAI ZAKURA MISOME NO KIYOMIZU” in the evening show is another play attracting public attention this month.By the way, all posters of this month performances at Kabukiza were photographed by Naruyasu Nabeshima the photographer who took great pictures for the magazines, Kimono Salon and Kateigaho. The play was originally written by Nakamura Kichiemon II under the pseudonym of “Matsu-Kanshi”. It was on the stage for the first time in 2004 and it came back on the stage after 13 years with new casts including Ichikawa Somegoro and Nakamura Jakuemon. In the press interview prior to the performance, Kihciemon II said “I wrote this play with hoping that it will be on the stage of Kabukiza Theatre someday, and so I am really pleased now.” This play contains many stage directions that make audience gasp with surprises. Using full stage setting of Kabukiza Theatre, hayagawari（quick swap between two roles）, danmari（fighting scene in the dark）and tachimawari (slow movement of fighting ) are excitingly performed. The story is about the Priest who falls in love with a princess, and his fierce love for her finally haunts her. This funny and weirdly play runs two hours, and delights not only Kabuki goers but also the beginners. It will be the one of works passed on generation and generation with performing many times.Mrs. Chisa, wife of Nakamura Kichiemon, was in her kimono at the lobby. She is usually in dark colored kimono, and she picked up dark green colored one with summer grass embroidery. This rich and deep color tone matches autumn season. Her obi (sash of kimono) is Tussah silk woven by precious string of natural silkworm. She wore reed designed obi another day. This waterfront pattern shows individuality and looks very stylish. Let’s go to see enjoyable lineup of September Kabuki program at Kabukiza in sophisticated style with chic autumn hitoe (single layered) kimono.
The unit of Betty and YokoBetty; jewelry journalist, enjoys watching stages of Kabuki, Bunraku, Balllet, and so on. Yoko; lived in the U.S.A for 10 years. Loves to introduce Japanese culture to abroad.
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