The Kabukiza theater in Tokyo is dedicating its April programs to Utaemon Nakamura VI, the 20th century's most distinguished onnagata (female-role specialist), who died on March 31 last year at age 84. Leading the performances are Utaemon's two adopted sons, Baigyoku Nakamura, 55, a tachiyaku (male lead), and Kaishun Nakamura, an onnagata like his father.
The onnagata tradition of the house of Utaemon Nakamura was established by Utaemon VI's father (1865-1940), who was adopted into the Nakamura acting family. Schooled by this eminent actor-father, Utaemon was just 30 when he won recognition as the foremost onnagata of the day. And in 1951, 11 years after his father's death, he became the sixth to take the stage name Utaemon Nakamura.
In his 60-year career, Utaemon left a formidable record of theatrical accomplishments -- all told, he played about 600 onnagata roles. He was unrivaled in performing such demure yet strong jidaimono (historical play) heroines as Princess Yaegaki and Omiwa, the recklessly passionate country girl in "Admonitions to Women on Their Relationship With Men." Utaemon is also still remembered for his superb rendition of the dance "Dojoji," which he performed some 1,000 times.