[National Bunraku Theatre] April Bunraku Performance Now Playing!

The "April Bunraku Performance" began at the National Bunraku Theatre on April 4.

Parts 1 and 2 feature "Sugawara Denju Tenarai Kagami", one of the three great masterpieces of Ningyo Joruri (puppet theater) depicting the tragedy of Sugawara no Michizane, known as the "God of Academics," which celebrates its 280th anniversary since its premiere. Part 3 will feature "Ninin Kamuro," where lovely and gorgeous kamuro (young attendants) play, and the fourth act of "Hiragana Seisuiki," an epic historical drama based on the Genpei War.

Now, let us introduce the programs of each part along with stage photos from this performance. The performance runs until Sunday, April 26, so please don't miss it!

◆ Part 1 "Sugawara Denju Tenarai Kagami" (Michiyuki Kotoba no Amagai, Kurumabiki no Dan, Chasen Sake no Dan, Kenka no Dan, Soshou no Dan, Sakuramaru Seppuku no Dan)

"Sugawara Denju Tenarai Kagami" depicts the demotion of Sugawara no Michizane (Kan Shouso in the play) to Dazaifu due to the conspiracy of his political rival Fujiwara no Tokihira, and the family drama of the triplet brothers (Umeomaru, Matsuomaru, Sakuramaru) of Shirokuro (later Shiradayu), who received patronage from the Shouso, suffering between loyalty and affection.