Hanaoka Seishu no Tsuma(The Doctor's Wife)

There's no service charge for purchase.

Detail

The numerous treasured plays left behind by the theater company's predecessors are a vital part of Bungakuza's legacy. As Bungakuza celebrates its 88th anniversary, passing on this legacy from those who have performed these plays to the younger generation is one of our core missions. It is not only the techniques of kimono dressing or traditional stage mannerisms that must be inherited, but also the delicate nuances of human life that seep through traditional Japanese plays. Passing these on is essential for Bungakuza to thrive into its 90th and 100th years. Sawako Ariyoshi's masterpiece, Hanaoka Seishu no Tsuma, premiered in 1970 under the direction of Ichiro Inui and has since been revived numerous times both within Bungakuza and beyond. It has also been frequently adapted for film and television. Now, for the first time in a quarter-century, Bungakuza presents a new production featuring a brand new cast. The human drama behind the world's first development of anesthetics: the relationship between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, and the dynamics within the family, is vividly reimagined by director Hitoshi Uyama, who brings the richly woven imagery spun from the dialogue to life on stage.


Story

About 200 years ago, during the Tenmei era, the Hanaoka family, a family of physicians, lived along the Kinokawa River in the Kishu region. While the heir, Unpei (Seishu), was studying in Kyoto, his mother, Otsugi, arranged a marriage for him with Kae, the daughter of a prominent local family. Kae, who had admired the beautiful Otsugi since childhood, served her well as a daughter-in-law. Otsugi also cherished Kae more than her own daughter, and their affection was the envy of others. But everything changed when Seishu returned home from Kyoto. As mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, the two women gradually escalated their conflict over Seishu.

Meanwhile, the indifferent Seishu immersed himself in the study of anesthetics and eventually came to be known as the finest physician in the entire Kishu region. As his research progressed and only human testing remained before the anesthetic could be completed, both Otsugi and Kae vied to offer themselves for the experiment. As mother and wife, neither would concede to becoming the test subject. Their rivalry ultimately boiled down to a fierce struggle between two women driven by their love for the heir and the husband. Having secured a test subject, Seishu steadily achieved results through his experiments. Yet over time, Kae's eyesight began to deteriorate, and she eventually lost her vision completely...

Website

https://www.bungakuza.com/hanaoka/index.html

Appearance

Staff

Schedule

2025.10.26. (Sun) 〜2025.11.3. (Mon・public holiday)

Sales period

Sold until 3 hour before the curtain time

Price

Exchange Voucher(General／Opening Day Discount)

［Price List］
￥6,500／\5,500

Event code

11522

Shops

kabukicho_tower／Tourist Information NAMBA／TKTS SHIBU HACHI BOX ／GINZA／asakusa-culture-tic／Shinjuku Tourist Information／FUKUOKA TENJIN

*Due to popular demand, ticket availability may vary per day. We apologize for any inconvenience.