Sukeroku: Flower of Edo

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Sukeroku: Flower of Edo

April 1713, Edo (under title Hana Yakata Aigozakura)

A love suicide in Osaka during the late 17th century between the merchant Sukeroku and courtesan Agemaki inspired many puppet and live dramas. Danjuro II created a Kabuki version in 1713. He played the role not in his trademark exaggerated aragoto style but as a handsome gentleman, which proved an instant hit. In the mid-19th century, Danjuro VII refined the show into the current version, adopting it as one of his family’s Eighteen Select Plays. It remains one of the most frequently performed Kabuki pieces.
The drama centers on three characters: Sukeroku, a typical Edo dandy; Agemaki, an intrepid Yoshiwara courtesan deeply in love with Sukeroku; and the hated Ikyu, who tries to break them apart. The show is enlivened by the sensational Yoshiwara atmosphere, sophisticated Edo style and great variety of characters. Sukeroku’s initial appearance is occasionally staged as a dance.

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［from left］Hanakawado Sukeroku (actually Soga Goro)（Ichikawa Ebizo）、Agemaki（Nakamura Fukusuke）、Ikyu the Beard（Nakamura Karoku）　May 2010　Shimbashi Enbujo Theatre