Barrier Gate

積恋雪関扉

Seki no To

Overview

by Hashimoto Hiroki
Title

Barrier Gate

Writer Lyrics: Takarada Jurai Music: Tobaya Richo I
Premiere

November 1784, Edo

Overview

A masterpiece of tokiwazu-style dance. It was originally performed as the climax to a longer kaomise play, a show designed to show off the actors of the coming year, but is now performed independently. In the late 18th century, the main character in kaomise shows was always a villain, while the climax featured spirits of trees and animals. Among the characters are three of the six legendary poets: Ono no Komachi, Munesada (Sojo Hensho before he became a monk), and the guard Sekibei (actually Otomo Kuronushi). The piece thus has a strong connection with another drama called Rokkasen Sugata no Irodori (Colorful Guises of the Six Immortal Poets). The same actor often performs Princess Komachi in the drama’s first half and the spirit of the cherry tree in the second half.

 

●main graphic [from left]Otomo no Kuronushi(Nakamura Kichiemon)、Spirit of cherry tree(Nakamura Fukusuke) November 2004 Kabukiza Theatre

 

●publish on the web December1 2014