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The piece, originally written in 1861 for actors Hanayagi Jusuke I and his son Hanayagi Yoshijiro, was known as Katsusaburo Renjishi after its composer Kineya Katsusaburo II. Lyrics were added and music newly composed by Kineya Shojiro III in 1872, and given the title Shojiro Renjishi. That version, which starred Bando Hikosaburo V and Sawamura Tossho II, is the template for the current show.
The highlight, “Pushing the Cub Over the Ravine”, was part of the choreography in the original Noh play Shakkyo but did not feature in the lyrics. The lyrics were introduced in Shojiro Renjishi and enhanced to include the father’s emotions and the cub’s encouragement upon seeing his father’s reflection in the water, making a more dramatic piece. The show is now known for its vivid music and dynamic storyline.
When Ichikawa Danshiro II and Ichikawa Somegoro IV (later Matsumoto Koshiro VII) performed the piece in 1901, they moved away from a realistic set and used the typical Noh staging with a single painted pine. This became the standard for all subsequent performances.
This piece is often played by real father and son teams. The legend of the lion cub being kicked into the ravine is overlaid with the uncompromising training and love between father and son, making for a heartwarming dance show.
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［from left］Kyogen actor Sakon, later spirit of lion cub（Bando Minosuke）、Kyogen actor Ukon, later spirit of father lion（Bando Mitsugoro） October 2010 Shimbashi Enbujo Theatre
●publication date March 2016
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