This month the Kabukiza is staging two masterworks by Shinshichi Kawatake III (1842-1901), a disciple of the renowned 19th-century kabuki playwright Kawatake Mokuami. Not only are these two fine dramas treats in themselves, but one offers the chance to see the legendary onnagata (female role specialist) Nakamura Jakuemon at the height of his powers.

In the afternoon program is "Botan Doro (The Peony Lantern)," adapted by Kawatake in 1892 from a work by the famous rakugo storyteller San'yutei Encho (who also inspired two ghost stories in the August program; see The Japan Times, Aug. 21). Having been staged just once, in 1965, this complicated drama is now being presented in its entirety.

The source of the story is a classical Chinese ghost tale, "Mudan Dengzhi." This kabuki version centers on the ghost of Otsuyu (Kataoka Takataro), who haunts her handsome ronin (masterless samurai) lover Hagiwara Shinzaburo (Nakamura Baigyoku). Completing the quartet of central characters are the rascally servant Tomozo (Nakamura Kichiemon) and his wife, Omine (Nakamura Kaishun).