Progressive Traditions: An Illustrated Study of Plot Repetition in Traditonal Japanese Theatre

Description

This monograph with an accompanying CD-ROM explores through plot repetition the relationships between three genres of traditional Japanese theatre, nō, kabuki and ningyō-jōruri, with a focus on plays depicting the final, fugitive years of Minamoto no Yoshitsune. First, the theoretical background to the concept of plot repetition is discussed and the theme of Yoshitsune’s downfall is introduced. The next and main section analyses the treatment of the Funa Benkei and Ataka/Kanjinchō plots in the three genres, with reference to their historical development and contemporary performance. The CD-ROM contains video clips, photographs and nishiki-e prints from productions in each genre to illustrate how the plots are presented on stage. Title Page Copyright Page CONTENTS Preface Chapter One. Introduction Chapter Two. Plot Repetition and the Emergence of Dramatic Criticism as a Discipline Approaches to Defining Plot Repetition Sowing the Seed: Secret Treatises on the Nō Towards Discourse Among Master Performers: Early Tokugawa Writing on the Theatre Kezairoku: Constructing a Way of the Playwright The Genesis of Dramatic Criticism as a Conscious Discipline Summary Chapter Three. Material for Repeated Plots: The Case of the Yoshitsune Shitsuijidai Introduction to the Yoshitsune Shitsuijidai Theme Reasons for the Popularity of the Yoshitsune Shitsuijidai in the Traditional Theatre Chapter Four. The Funa Benkei Plot Background to the Plays Funa Benkei in the Nō Yoshitsune Sembon Zakura in Ningyō-Jōruri and Kabuki Kawatake Mokuami's Funa Benkei for Kabuki Yoshitsune Ceases to "Travel with Serenity:" His Parting from Shizuka The Changing Role of the Boatman: from Ai-kyōgen to Enemy in Disguise Exorcising the Enemy: Tomomori as Vengeful Ghost in the Nō and Later Kabuki Versions Yesterday's Ghost, Today's Impostor Summary Chapter Five. The Ataka/ Kanjinchō Plot Introduction to the Plot Origins and Development of the Traditional Ataka/ Kanjinchō Plot The Nō Play Ataka Early Versions of the Plot in Ningyō-jōruri and Kabuki The Kabuki Play Kanjinchō The Ningyō-jōruri Play Narihibiku Ataka no Shinseki Stage Sets, Music and Costume The Ataka/ Kanjinchō Plot in Performance Summary Chapter Six. Conclusion Appendix. A Partial Translation and Summary of Kezairoku Introduction A Note on the Title Kezairoku: Translation and Summary Part One: Heaven Part Two: Earth Part Three: Man Lists of Japanese Characters Japanese Personal Names Used in the Text Titles of Works Referred to in the Main Text Japanese Terms Used in the Text Select Bibliography Audio-visual Resources Index BRILL'S JAPANESE STUDIES LIBRARY Errata