National Theatre Farewell Special Performances Upon the Reconstruction Project - Towards a New Adventure -
National Theatre - Tokyo Presents
Kabuki Performance in October 2023
Imoseyama Onna Teikin Part2
Performance Dates : October 4 (Wed.) -26 (Thu.)
*No Performance on 10 (Tue.) and 20 (Fri.)
Venue : National Theatre (Large Theatre)
Performance Time
12:00AM - 3:20PM
*End times are estimates and could vary.
*There will be intermission.
Cast
Onoe Kikugorō
Nakamura Tokizō
Onoe Kikunosuke
Nakamura Shikan
Nakamura Karoku
and others
Ticket Prices (including tax)
[1st Grade] Adults: 14,000 yen (Students: 9,800 yen)
[2nd Grade] Adults: 10,000 yen (Students: 7,000 yen)
[3rd Grade] Adults: 4,000 yen (Students: 2,800 yen)
Seating Plan
*Audio guide: English audio guides are available for rent for a limited period only. Click here for details of audio guide.
*Subtitles: Not available.
*English synopsis is available. It is included in the paid Japanese brochure.
Special Cooperation for Kabuki Performances in October
紡ぐプロジェクト
Partners for Kabuki Performances in October 
Takashimaya
Company,Limited
Japan International Broadcasting Inc.
Mitsubishi UFJ Morgan
Stanley Securities Co., Ltd.
Partners for Special Farewell Performances
SUMITOMO LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
TOSHIBA LIGHTING & TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
Booking Opens
September 13 (Wed.), 2023
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Box Office
0570-07-9900 (From overseas: +81-3-3230-3000) in Japanese and English (10:00AM－6:00PM)
http://ticket.ntj.jac.go.jp/top_e.htm
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Counter Sales at the Theatre
available from September 14 (Thu.), 2023
in Japanese
The original National Theatre will close at the end of October. We truly appreciate your patronage of 57 years since its opening in 1966.
As part of the National Theatre Special Farewell Performances Upon the Reconstruction Project –Towards a New Adventure– series, the final Kabuki performance in October at the original Theatre will feature Imoseyama Onna Teikin, one of the greatest masterpieces of Gidayū Kyōgen, in the two-month full-length play that started in September. It is being performed in this way at this theatre for the first time since 1996 and will place the crown on our original National Theatre.
This piece premiered in 1771 at Osaka Takemoto-za as a Ningyō Jōruri piece. Adapted into Kabuki that same year, it has been performed repeatedly through the ages and has become a popular program. Both imaginary and real characters are actively involved in the story themed on the historical account of the assassination of Soga no Iruka by Fujiwara no Kamatari, also incorporating other various legends. The National Theatre has presented this piece with various compositions, creating famous stage scenes over the years.
In the Part 2 performance in October, the story leading up to the assassination of Iruka unfolds dramatically and involves a wide variety of characters. Eventually, the tale comes to its conclusion through the unexpected sacrifice of a character in the throes of unrequited love.
Furu no Shatō : Michiyuki Koi no Odamaki
The scene is set in the Furu Shrine in Yamato Province. Iruka’s younger sister Princess Tachibana makes an appearance, followed by Motome, an eboshi (court cap) maker. Then Omiwa, the daughter of the Sugisakaya sake shop owner, also appears. Omiwa longs for Motome and has an argument with Princess Tachibana over him.
Mikasayama Goten
Fisherman Fukashichi, the messenger of Fujiwara no Kamatari, arrives at Iruka’s mansion with a letter from Kamatari. Not being upset by the threat from Iruka, who tries to sound out Kamatari’s views, Fukashichi becomes a hostage but in a fearless manner.
Having returned to the palace, Princess Tachibana realizes that Motome, who followed her, is actually Kamatari’s son Tankai, who secretly aims to assassinate Iruka. She pledges her intent to marry him. Omiwa, who has come there following them, is teased mercilessly by the court ladies, and finally loses her temper among the lively voices celebrating the marriage between Motome and Princess Tachibana.
Fukashichi then appears and suddenly stabs Omiwa in the stomach, turning the sword around as he does it. Fukashichi is actually Kamatari’s servant Kanawa no Gorō. Kamatari has known Iruka’s weak point in that he loses consciousness when he sees the lifeblood of a jealous woman and the blood of black-hoofed sacred deer. Thus, he has worked out a plot to kill Iruka in order to take back the precious sword stolen from the Imperial court. Knowing that her blood mad with jealousy will contribute to the cause of her loved one, Omiwa dies content.
Okuden / Iruka Chūbatsu
Iruka is anguished by the sound of the flute that is stained with the blood of Omiwa and the deer. Taking advantage of the opportunity, the army under the command of Kamatari brings Iruka to bay and regains the treasured sword ― thus restoring peace in the land.
With Onoe Kikugorō assuming the role of Kamatari for the first time in his career, this impressive cast well-worthy of the final Kabuki Performance at the original National Theatre, which also includes Nakamura Karoku, Nakamura Tokizō, Nakamura Shikan and Onoe Kikunosuke, comes together to make this a truly memorable event.
You will not want to take your eyes off this magnificent performance of one of the greatest masterpieces of Gidayū Kyōgen!