Story of
Iromoyō Chotto Karimame: Kasane
The story takes place on the bank of the Kinegawa River near Edo, which is now located near the border between Katsushika and Sumida wards in Tokyo. Yoemon, a man on the run after killing a peasant, finds himself in this location. Meanwhile, Kasane, who is in love with Yoemon, chases after him. She has been unable to let go of her feelings for him, especially after he left a note behind.
As they reminisce about their first meeting, Kasane reveals her true feelings to Yoemon. Suddenly, a skull with a sickle lodged in it floats down the river. Yoemon picks it up and realizes it belongs to the man he killed. At that moment, Kasane begins to suffer, and her face undergoes a horrifying transformation. Unbeknownst, she is the daughter of the man he murdered, and her father's hatred for Yoemon has cursed her appearance.
Yoemon, pursued by his enemies, cuts down Kasane, who clings to him with a sickle and tries to escape. However, Kasane's grudge pulls Yoemon closer, preventing his escape.
The first half features a secret love story between the beautiful Kasane and the handsome Yoemon, as well as "Kudoki," where Kasane confesses her feelings to Yoemon. In contrast, the second half is packed with thrilling moments, showcasing powerful fight scenes and "Renribiki," which portrays supernatural abilities. Both halves are infused with the stylized beauty of Kabuki, resembling a nishiki-e painting.
NAKAMURA Manju, who has matured significantly since adopting his name last year, plays the role of Kasane. NAKAMURA Shikan, known for his depth in numerous leading roles, portrays Yoemon.
In the "Guidance: How to Appreciate KABUKI" prior to the performance, BANDŌ Kamezō will provide an easy-to-understand explanation of the highlights of the story and the charm of Kabuki. Enjoy the beauty and variety of one of the masterpiece Kabuki dances, accompanied by exquisite pieces of Kiyomoto music.