Abstract:

Ichikawa Ennosuke, one of the most popular contemporary kabuki actors, revived many forgotten plays such as DATE NO JUYAKU (full title Hajimomiji Ase no Kaomise), in which Ennosuke makes some 47 quick costume changes, plays different roles and does his chunori stunt, flying over the heads of the audience. This performance also features Sojuro Sawamura and Enjaku Jitsukawa III. || Originally recorded in Tokyo's famed Kabuki-za Theater in 1986 and broadcast by NHK, the Japanese Broadcast Company. An optional English translation and commentary by Kabuki scholars Paul M. Griffith, Ronald Cavaye and Valerie Durham follows the stories and provides additional information to help international audiences appreciation of Kabuki performance, history, music and dance.