Kinoshita Kabuki uses the diverse techniques of modern theatre to unearth new appeal in Kabuki works while reinforcing their universality. The Bunraku-based Kabuki classic Sesshu Gappo ga Tsuji (Sesshu and His Daughter Tsuji), derived from ancient sekkyo-bushi (oral Buddhist narratives) and the Noh drama Yoroboshi, has been spun into a modern musical drama by playwright, director and musician Itoi Yukinosuke, who also composed the lyrics and music.
Shuntokumaru, the legitimate son of the daimyo Lord Takayasu, is blessed with talent and good looks. However, his life is under threat by his jealous stepbrother Jiromaru, and he must fend off illicit sexual advances by his stepmother Tamate Gozen. A crippling disease leaves him disfigured and blind, spurring him on a journey of wandering, despairing of the world.
The music depicts the paths and conflicting feelings of pursuer and pursued, all with their own motives, overlaid with the loneliness of people living in modern society. It transcends the history and timeframe in the original text, strongly connecting the world of the play and today’s audiences. The dynamic blend of classical language and modern bodies onstage offers a dramatic fusion unique to this production. The success of the show led to three separate productions thus far between 2019 and 2023. It is already considered a modern classic and the pinnacle of Kinoshita Kabuki. (The video is from the Kyoto performance in 2020.)

2020
ROHM Theatre Kyoto

Presented by: The Japan Foundation (JF) (https://www.jpf.go.jp/e/)
In cooperation with EPAD (https://epad.jp)

＜Performance Credits＞
Performers:UCHIDA Chika, TSUCHIYA Shinba, TANIYAMA Tomohiro, NAGASHIMA Keizo, NAGAI Marina, TOBITA Daisuke, ISHIDA Michiko, YAMAMORI Daisuke, ITO Saho, NISHIDA Kanako, TAKETANI Kimio
Written by SUGA Sensuke, WAKATAKE Fuemi,
Supervised, Revised and Adapted by KINOSHITA Yuichi
Adapted, Directed, and Music by ITOI Yukinosuke
Music by manzo
Choreographed by KITAO Wataru
Scenic Design by SHIMA Jiro, KAKUHAMA Yuka
Lighting Design by YOSHIMOTO Yukiko
Sound Design by KOBAYAKAWA Yasutaka
Costume Design by ONO Chie
Hair and Make-up by SUYAMA Tomomi
Prosthetic Assistant: INAGAKI Takatoshi, YAMAMICHI Yae
Stage manager: OSHIKA Nobuaki
Associate Producer: MIYAZAKI Asako, TAKEDA Tomoya, HONGO Mai
Produced by ROHM Theatre Kyoto（Repertory Premiere program）

＜Subtitling Credits＞
Multilingual subtitling: Supported by the Agency for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan through the Japan Arts Council

Chinese Translation (Simplified): Shu LIN
Chinese Translation (Traditional): SWSG
English Translation: Gary PERLMAN
French Translation: Amira ZEGROUR
Spanish Translation: José Antonio AMBRIZ

＜Promotional Text＞
ONOUE Sora

＜Company Website＞
https://kinoshita-kabuki.org/