The Koto Interrogation EXPLAINED・Akoya (1732)

Akoya, from the 1732 jidaimono play Dan no Ura Kabuto Gunki, was written by Matsuda Bunkōdō and Hasegawa Senshi for the bunraku puppet theatre, and it remains one of the most iconic roles of the kabuki onnagata repertoire.
The role was played exclusively by Nakamura Utaemon VI in the period between 1958 and 1986, then by Bandō Tamasaburō V from 1997 to 2018, and it has since been played by Tamasaburō and the two young onnagata Nakamura Kotarō VI and Nakamura Baishi IV, who learned the role under him. Some notable Akoya actors before that include Nakamura Utaemon V, Bandō Shūchō III and Kataoka Nizaemon XII.
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[@wmgflute]

As a classical musician, the kokyū section reminds me of some works written for violin in the 20th century! So beautiful to see how such different traditions can use similar techniques ❤️❤️❤️

[@Iohannes_the_Orthodox]

I didn't even know such a story existed, a true wonder, showcasing the different instruments during the Edo period that were popular, and also the inspiration from Bunraku (at the end i was surprised to see Iwanaga's eyebrows move like that, but i then saw it was a clever cloth and some string work) great work as always, keep up with more such stories

[@SuperGingerBickies]

This video is another treat! The comparisons drawn between the Kabuki and Bunraku performances really took my breath away - so much so, I've watched this video more than once (I do that for the other videos from time to time) to marvel at the attention to detail. The onnagata actors (and the Bunraku puppeteers) must have watched the musicians very closely to know where to put their fingers on the strings and when to strum - or (just guessing here) the actors etc. know how to play the instruments.
I really appreciate your videos for many reasons - including a greater enjoyment of Kabuki plays in full because I'm able to get an idea of what is happening and why. I'm behind a couple of them but it's enjoyable catching up.
Many thanks once again - please keep up the great work.

[@kagamisan9952]

I think it shows some of the soul of kabuki it captures the essence of it, it is one of the greatest pices and a favorite indeed of mine

[@Iohannes_the_Orthodox]

And also a suggestion, whenever you do videos, i think you should put the named of the actors because sometimes its like "hey, i think i know that guy, what is his name tho?" It'll be much more convenient

[@JokerMxyzptlk]

I love everything about this! Both the bunraku puppetry in all its intricacy and the clever/humorous adaptation to live theatre. I was wondering though is the live actor really playing the instruments, or just very accurately pretending while the other musicians play the actual music?

[@KabukiInDepth]

Yes, the actor playing Akoya must learn to play all three instruments, and he does all the playing live, although some sections he is joined by other shamisen players as accompaniment. Only 4 actors have been able to play this difficult role in the last 70 years.

[@wordscapes5690]

6:47 was miraculous! Miraculous!

[@cheryllamoureux4996]

Amazing! What a range of talent one would have to possess for this role! Impressive!

[@np7133]

I am always amazed by the grace of japanese art, both visual and music
PS: when commercialising a new medicament, you have to do tests on Japanese people if you want to sell it in Japan, because, as they say, they are a « special people », and when I watch this channel, I cannot not agree !

[@greenapple6118]

たま様、素晴らしいです❤😊

[@petergiljum]

❤

[@letshuman8985]

There was another video explaining this play in English. Does anyone know what happened to it?

[@user-bj5hf7hi2u]

有cc字幕，請按畫面右上方。

[@tatianaaparecidagalvao4114]

🌝🌷🐦