Two acts from a play written by Yasuda Abun. Title from disc label. 880-04 Kenuki: Ichikawa Danjūrō (XII), Ichikawa Ebizō, Nakamura Tokizō ; Narukami: Ichikawa Ebizō (IX, Ichikawa Danjūrō XI), Onoe Baikō, Ichimura Uzaemon. Kenuki was recorded at the Kabukiza in Apr. 2005. Narukami was recorded at the Meijiza in July 1956. Program notes and summary in Japanese and English on insert.
Contents:
880-06 Kabuki jūhachiban no uchi Raijin fudō kitayamazakura, Kenuki (in color) -- Kabuki jūhachiban no uchi Raijin fudō kitayamazakura, Narukami (In black and white).
Summary:
The full play Narukami fudō kitayamazakura consists of 5 acts, of which two, Kenuki and Narukami, are presented here. These are two of the Kabuki jūhachiban which are associated with the Danjūrō line of actors. Narukami is set in the 9th century during the reign of the boy emperor Yōzei. The great priest Narukami has imprisoned all the dragons that cause rain to fall because he feels betrayed by a promise that the young emperor has broken. The land is in a severe drought and the emperor sends a beautiful court woman to seduce Narukami and release the dragons. Kenuki is a play about power, politics, revenge, and drought.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.