From left: Yoshimine Nitta (Yoshihisa Takeichi), Yoshioki Nitta (Magosaburo Yuki) Photo: Yoshihiro Miyagawa
From front left: Tonbee (Senyu Ryokawa), Ofune (Magosaburo Yuki) From back left: Kyonosuke Takemoto, Tsugaju Tsuruzawa, Kazu Tsuruzawa Photo: Yoshihiro Miyagawa
From left: Ofune (Magosaburo Yuki), Hatsuhanahime (Yukikazu Kano)
Photo: Yoshihiro Miyagawa
Performed for the first time in 244 years, this was a revival of a work written for YOUKIZA by Gennai Hiraga. It featured a script and direction by Yukikazu Kano of Hanagumi Shibai, and musical composition by National Living Treasure Tsugaju Tsuruzawa. It also included scenes from “Shinrei Yaguchi no Watashi (Miracle at the Yaguchi Ferry),” the prequel to “Aramitama Nitta no Shintoku.” These scenes have audaciously been turned into a story about the women involved with Nitta Yoshimine, the younger brother of Nitta Yoshioki. Although it was a revival of a classical piece, the inclusion of new elements made it a performance that could be regarded as a return to YOUKIZA’s origins and its philosophy of combining classical and new works.
Edo Marionette Theatre YOUKIZA
Founded by Magosaburo Youki I in 1635 in the Edo town of Fukiya-cho, this troupe can claim many classic masterpieces often performed today. Renowned works include “Meiboku Sendai Hagi (The Precious Incense and Autumn Flowers of Sendai),””Shinrei Yaguchi no Watashi(The Yaguchi Ferry),”by Gennai Hiraga,“Date Musume Koi no Higanoko (A Maiden’s Flaming Love)”and “Shinpan Utazaimon: Nozaki Mura (Nozaki Village).”Since the Meiji period the company has actively taken on overseas theatrical works in translation as well as new contemporary plays. In particular, recent years have seen the troupe making assertive forays into overseas performance and international collaborative productions.
Designated a Tokyo Municipal Intangible Cultural Property in 1956.
Selected as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Properties of Japan in 1996.
Ren Kodachi
Public Interest Incorporated Foundation YOUKIZA
3-18-2, Nukuikita-machi, Koganei-shi, Tokyo
184-0015
Tel：+81-(0)42-322-9750
Fax：+81-(0)42-322-3976
Theatre West, Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre, Toshima City, Tokyo
