Kabuki Plus
What is Sanbaso?
Sanbaso is one of the ancient gods appearing in the ancient Noh play Okina. It literally means the third (sanban) old man (so). It might have referred to three men dancing the role or simply the third person to appear after Senzai and Okina. The Noh play is a unique sacred piece danced by divine gods, based on ancient harvest festival dances performed nationwide. The actors perform in the guise of old men doing their traditional movements. Okina and Senzai are portrayed by Noh actors, while Sanbaso is played by an actor from the comic Kyogen world. The Noh was later adapted into puppet and Kabuki pieces, spawning an entire Sanbaso genre. In the past, the dance was done unofficially and privately before the day’s performance. Today, it is still invariably performed at the opening of a new theatre.
Sanbaso genre
Whereas the main character in the Noh piece Okina is the title role, the most popular character in Kabuki is the comical Sanbaso, and a number of plays have been written for him. Derivative pieces include Kotobuki-shiki Sanbaso (“The Dueling Sanbaso”) where two Sanbaso compete; Shita-dashi Sanbaso (“Tongue-Wagging Sanbaso”) where the actor sticks out his tongue; and Kuruwa Sanbaso, which takes place in the pleasure quarters (kuruwa). These plays constitute an entire Sanbaso genre.
Puppet-like dancing
There are a number of Kabuki shows featuring puppet-like movements, almost all of which mimic the Bunraku style of puppets manipulated from behind. The sole exception is this piece, Ayatsuri Sanbaso, where the puppet is manipulated from above with imaginary strings. As a pure dance piece, the show is easy for all audiences to understand and enjoy.
