Shinza the Barber

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Shinza the Barber

June 1873, Tokyo

One of the prolific Mokuami’s most famous and frequently performed domestic dramas. It was originally four acts with 11 scenes, but most are now omitted. The highlight of the play is the rogue Shinza, a traveling barber and minor gang member, who is thoroughly despicable and yet somehow lovable. Okuma, the daughter of the Shirakoya shopowner, was based on a real person involved in a major scandal during the Edo Period. Given the death penalty, she famously approached her executioners in a kihachijo kimono, a bright yellow pattern that was symbolic of a young town girl. The title of the drama comes from this incident. Many of the stories of Judge Ooka are fictional, but it is believed that the Shirakoya incident was an actual case.

●main graphic ［from left］Zenpachi（Bando Shucho）、Shinza（Bando Mitsugoro）、Katsuyakko（Nakamura Kankuro）、Yatagoro Genshichi（Nakamura Hashinosuke）　August 2013　 Kabukiza Theatre

●publish on the web　December1 2014