EAS 120 Japanese Theater Week 5a

EAS 120 Japanese Theater Week 5a

BUNRAKU

I. Bunraku or Ningyô Jôruri

A. Terms

1. Ningyô Jôruri (Doll + Chanting): chanting form developed from medieval recitations of tales accompanied by biwa lute or shamisen

2. Bunraku: later name, taken from the Bunraku-za theater in Osaka

B. Early use of puppets (image):

1. purification rituals, substitutes:

C. Chikamatsu Monzaemon (1676-1724):

1. Began in Kabuki: why did he switch?

2. Increased thesize of puppets and madepuppet handlers visible: why?

D. Patronage for Kabuki and Bunraku:

1. Merchant culture:

a. Noh and Kyogen as ritual theater of Samurai

2. Onnagata (female role specialists) setting fashion:

The Tradition of Performing Arts in Japan: Bunraku (15:30) OR HERE

E. How are character and emotion conveyed in Bunraku?

1. Costume, wigs, skin tone, style of head, etc.

a. Puppet heads (image)

2. Chanter (image)

3. MovementII. The Love Suicides at Amijima (Shinju Ten no Amijima), a sewamono by Chikamatsu Monzaemon

Images

A. Based on real life double-suicide October 14, 1720 by Jihei, an Osaka paper merchant, and Koharu, a courtesan of the Sonezaki pleasure quarter. They committed suicide at the Daichoji temple at Amijima. Chikamatsu's play opened two months later, on December 6th, at the Takemotoza theater.

B. Main characters:

2. Kamiya Jihei:

4. Gozaemon and wife (Aunt):

B. Conflict between ninjo (human feelings/compassion) and giri (duty)

2. ninjo:

3. Is this ethical conflict real?

a. Chikamatsu came from Samurai background; applying samurai ethical standards to merchants?

b. eg. of ethical code created in order to generate dramatic conflict: Star Trek's "Prime Directive"

1) Prime Directive:

“ As the right of each sentient species to live in accordance with its normal cultural evolution is considered sacred, no Star Fleet personnel may interfere with the normal and healthy development of alien life and culture. Such interference includes introducing superior knowledge, strength, or technology to a world whose society is incapable of handling such advantages wisely. Star Fleet personnel may not violate this Prime Directive, even to save their lives and/or their ship, unless they are acting to right an earlier violation or an accidental contamination of said culture. This directive takes precedence over any and all other considerations, and carries with it the highest moral obligation." Wikipedia, "Prime Directive"

C. How does the giri/ninjo conflict ultimately cause Koharu and Jihei to commit suicide?

1. Jihei has been seeing Koharu for 2-3 years; why do they feel they have to commit suicide now?

b. Jihei:

1) Tahei's discussion of money and samurai:

“You may not want to hear me but the clink of my gold coins will make you listen! What a lucky girl you are! Just think--of all the men in Temma and the rest of Osaka, you chose Jihei the paper dealer, the father of two-children, with his cousin for a wife, his uncle for his father-in-law! A man whose business is so tight he’s at his wit’s end every sixty days merely to pay the wholesaler’s bills! Do you think he’ll be able to fork over nearly ten kamme to ransom you? That reminds me of the mantis who picked a fight with an oncoming cart! But look at me -- I haven’t a wife, a father-in-law, a father, or even an uncle, for that matter. Tahei the Lone Wolf--that’s the name I’m known by. I admit that I’m no match for Jihei when it comes to bragging about myself in the Quarter, but when it comes to money, I’m an easy winner. If I pushed with all the strength of my money, who knows what I might conquer?” (pp. 336-37)

“Koharu, I’m a townsman. I’ve never worn a sword, but I’ve lots of New Silver in my place, and I think that the glint could twist a mere couple of swords out of joint.” (p. 338)

D. Do you think they are justified in committing suicide? Do you think they have any choice?

1. Suicide as resistance:

2. Theater as a "living newspaper" that imortalizes lovers

3. Copycat love suicides and Government response

1) burial

2) eventually shogunate bans plays and stories, so Chikamatsu's Love Suicide plays weren't performed again until 1960s

NHK Begin Japanology Plus: Bunraku

Bunraku: Masters of Japanese Puppet Theater: This program presents the story of Bunraku through two of its greatest masters, puppeteer Tamao Yoshida and chanter Sumitayu Takemoto. Brought together for the last performance of the 20th century, these two "living national treasures" transform ancient tales of old Japan into vibrant human drama. Cameras go backstage to capture the immense preparations and grueling, rarely seen rehearsals for their exquisite rendition of the masterpiece Shinju Ten no Amijima. Performance begins around 42:00.

Video of Osan getting together kimono to take to pawn shop (1:03:33)

NHK World Begin Japanology Plus: Bunraku (6:50 compares jidaimono and sewamono; from about 8 "The Love of Ohan and Choemon"; 15 visit to workshop making Bunraku puppets)

Shinju ten no Amijima (Love Suicides at Amijima),Tea house scene: Kabuki version (overdubbed English "Shinju Ten no Amijima NHK Eng), Kabuki Kool episode). Bunraku version (divided into multiple videos, no subtitles J or E).

Double Suicide trailer: film by Shinoda Masahiro based on Love Suicides at Amijima (no subtitles). Warning: contains some nudity. Jihei's suicide scene with kurogo.

Shinju Ten no Amijima Kawasho teahouse scene (Japanese, no subtitles in J or E)