The Renowned Banzui Chobei

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The Renowned Banzui Chobei

Kabuki: October 1881, Tokyo

A major domestic affairs drama also known as “Chobei in the Bath”. Modern productions are based on a revised script by Mokuami’s senior assistant Mokuami Shinshichi III and his colleagues, which was staged in June 1891. It was inspired by an incident that took place in the early Edo Period. As it was written for Danjuro IX, who was drawn to works that were faithful to history, it hews fairly closely to historical fact. Chobei is known as the original “chivalrous commoner” in Japan. Since the Edo Period, he was depicted as a Robin Hood-type hero who defeats the strong to help the weak. He has been featured frequently in storytelling, movies and television dramas. In Kabuki, there is another famous play Gozonji Suzugamori that depicts his first encounter with the famed swordfighter Shirai Gonbachi. Mokuami’s play is considered the definitive treatment of the character. The “kiwametsuki” in the title means “the ultimate”.

●main graphic ［from left］Kondo Noborinosuke（Nakamura Tozo）、Banzuiin Chobei（Nakamura Kichiemon）、Mizuno Jurozaemon（Kataoka Nizaemon）　June 2009　Kabukiza Theatre

●publication date　 September 2015