The Kabukiza Theater in Ginza is presenting two attractive selections of kabuki plays and dance numbers this month in memory of Nakamura Kichiemon I, who died on Sept. 5, 1954, at age 68. Naturally, Kichiemon's 59-year-old grandson, who in 1966 adopted the stage name of Nakamura Kichiemon II, is taking the lead at the event.
Kichiemon II is supported by many actors who are related to the house of Nakamura Kichiemon, such as Nakamura Jakumon, the prominent onnagata (actor performing female roles) who is active at age 83, Nakamura Tokizo (a 48-year-old onnagata) and his younger brother Shinjiro, Nakamura Kasho, and Nakamura Baigyoku and his onnagata brother, Kai-shun.
Kichiemon I was a unique figure in 20th-century kabuki theater. The son of a mediocre kabuki actor from Osaka who was married to the daughter of a restaurant owner who catered food to the Ichi-muraza Theater in Tokyo, Kichiemon I's great talent and unstinting efforts made him one of the most influential kabuki actors of the time. An ardent admirer of Ichikawa Danjuro IX, the master of the gallant aragoto style of kabuki acting native to Edo, Kichiemon developed his acting skill in jidaimono (historical plays), competing with Onoe Kikugoro VI, who was unrivaled in sewamono (realistic plays).