This performance of Shunkan was put on in September, 2003, at Tokyo’s Kabuki-za Theater. Starring Nakamura Kichiemon II, who plays the titular monk, the performance pays respects to the first Nakamura Kichiemon, an inspiring actor from the first half of the 20th century and Kichiemon II’s grandfather. Despite happening in 2003, Shunkan has origins almost a millennium old. The real-life Shunkan was a rebellious monk who lived in the 12th century. While his story was transcribed into the 13th century epic Heike Monogatari, it was performed even earlier as a Noh play. Like much of Noh Theater, it was modified into a Kabuki play.
The story starts off with three men, Shunkan and two retainers, Naritsune and Yasuyori, exiled on an island for their involvement in a failed assassination plot. Naritsune falls in love with Chidori, a woman from a fishing village on the island, and Shunkan oversees their marriage. Eventually, the three men get pardoned and a ship arrives to bring them back to the mainland. Shunkan, receiving news that his wife has died on the mainland, offers his spot to Chidori. However, the envoy refuses to let the retainer’s wife onto the boat. In a rage, Shunkan fights and kills the envoy, and gives Chidori his place. As the boat leaves the island, Shunkan realizes that he will never see the mainland again, and in desperation tries to hold the boat back by a stray rope. However, the boat’s momentum is too strong, Shunkan loses his grip, and is forced to accept his fate.
PART 2 Analysis –>