Kabuki Appreciation Class for Working People

Detail

Kabuki Performance for Beginners
Part? Guidance "How to Appreciate KABUKI"
Part? Experience the live performance of Kabuki "Yoshitsune Senbonzakura"

 In this Kabuki Appreciation Class, popular Kabuki performances are introduced by a fine Kabuki cast for as many people as possible to casually experience the fascinating world of Kabuki with its history of 400 years. The Guidance "How to Appreciate KABUKI" that precedes the performance also enjoys tremendous popularity, where Kabuki actors give clear and detailed explanations of the highlights of the performance. In addition to a free Kabuki handbook and program, subtitles are also provided this time, making it an excellent opportunity for beginners to enjoy and understand Kabuki.


Minamoto no Yoshitsune, the hero of the Genpei War placed under suspicion of a rebellion by his elder brother Yoritomo, has been harbored in the mansion of Kawatsura Hōgen on Mount Yoshino in Nara. One day, Yoshitsune is visited by Satō Tadanobu, his retainer who is supposed to have returned to his hometown. In the past, in order to shake off his pursuers, Yoshitsune committed his beloved mistress, Shizuka Gozen, to the care of Tadanobu, ordering him to protect her. This time however, the retainer does not seem to understand what his master is talking about.
　 Soon, Shizuka Gozen shows up and then wonders why Tadanobu, who was with her until just a short while ago, is already there. This strange happening and a curious story about “Hatsune no Tsuzumi” – a hand drum Yoshitsune handed to Shizuka Gozen when they separated – give Yoshitsune a hint that the hand drum will serve as a clue to solving the mystery.
　 At the direction of Yoshitsune, Shizuka Gozen taps the drum when she is alone. And sure enough, Tadanobu appears out of nowhere. Tadanobu turns out to be Genkurō Gitsune – a little fox who accompanied Shizuka Gozen in the shape of the human retainer. Revealing its true colors, the little fox begins to talk about the secret related to the drum.　

　 Depicting a little fox longing for its parents, this piece – commonly known as “Shinokiri” – is especially popular among numerous Kabuki programs. The main character Genkurō Gitsune speaks with a unique theatrical elocution known as kitsune-kotoba, or “fox talk,” and displays quick-changes in the transformation scenes. This piece is full of the charms unique to Kabuki, such as staging in which the fox appears from an unexpected place.
　 This performance employs double casting – two actors alternating in a specific role – including for the main characters Satō Tadanobu and Genkurō Gitsune, this time performed by NAKAMURA Shikan and NAKAMURA Hashinosuke, who are actually father and son. You are sure to be thrilled by this popular Kabuki piece presented by very well-cast actors ranging from veterans to shining new stars.
　 Prior to the live performance, the Guidance: “How to Appreciate Kabuki” program also will be provided, offering easy-to-understand tips for appreciating this play. We invite you to enjoy the National Theatre’s Kabuki Performance for Beginners – a perfect choice even for Kabuki first-timers!

Website

https://www.ntj.jac.go.jp/schedule/kokuritsu_l/2024/6710.html?lan=j

Appearance

▼Guidance NAKAMURA Tamatarō ▼Kabuki Performance NAKAMURA Shikan BANDŌ Shingo NAKAMURA Fukunosuke NAKAMURA Kamenojō NAKAMURA Utanosuke NAKAMURA Hashinosuke NAKAMURA Matsue and others

Staff

Schedule

2024.7.5. (Fri)

Sales period

Sold until 2hour before each show

Price

First class seat

［Price List］
￥6000
→25% off

Event code

2076

Shops

Tourist Information NAMBA／kabukicho_tower／umeda／TKTS SHIBU HACHI BOX ／shibuya-san／GINZA／asakusa-culture-tic／Shinjuku Tourist Information

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