Product Description
NTSC, Region Code All, English Commentary and booklet notes. 136 mins (main programme) + 23 minutes (special feature on 50 selected works of Kabuki). Colour. Filmed April 2000.
This DVD features some of the most amazing contemporary Kabuki actors. These include Nakamura Kankuro V (Nakamura Kanzaburo XVIII) (May 1955-December 2012) one of the most popular actors of modern times. From a long line of Kabuki actors, he was the first son of Nakamura Kanzaburo XVII. He was known as an outstanding 'tachiyaku' male actor and 'onnagata' female impersonator, known for portraying good characters driven insane by rage, or jealousy. Kataoka Nizaemon VX (born 1944) is another popular contemporary actor,especially tachiyaku roles, and is known for performing with Bando Tamasaburo, probably the most popular of all onnagata actors.
Tsuyu Kosode Mukashi Hachijo (common name Kamiyui Shinza) premiered 1873 of which six scenes are regularly performed today, is a sewamono (domestic drama of the lives of commoners). Shinza has enticed Chushichi, the Shirakoya (lumber trading house) clerk, to help him kidnap Okuma, daughter of the owner of the Shirakoya. Shinza sends back Yatagoro Genshichi, a gang leader, but agrees with the landlord Chobe to release Okuma in exchange for money. Chobe cheats Shinza out of more money. Later, Genshichi ambushes Shinza and kills him to avenge the humiliation he suffered.
