Japanese Theater, Kabuki – Yoshitsune and the Thousand Cherry Trees / 義経千本桜 / full performance, subs

Director: Ichikawa Ennosuke III, recording Amsterdam 1985, Yoshitsune senbonzakura - the fullest version of this kabuki play consists of fifteen scenes in five acts. Though this was originally intended to be performed across the better part of a day, modes of performance have changed, and the full version would today take twice that long, due to the style and speed of current forms of acting. Digitalized from an old VHS tape, so the quality is far from HD. PLAYLIST - Theatre and more: 0:00:45 – Act 1 In front of the gate to the Inari Temple at Fushimi Yoshitsune, from the Minamoto family, has helped to defeat the Taira family. Then he himself fell into disgrace with his older brother. He is now with his followers, including the truculent Benkei, in front of the gate of the Inari temple. They are about to flee from the capital Kyoto 0:21:14 – 2 The inn at the harbor Yoshitsune and his friends, still on the run, are now staying in the inn at the port, owned by Gimpei and his wife Oryu. They are waiting for better weather to be able to board. A few servants and sailors in front of the inn. 0:34:39 – 3 In the backroom of the inn The fight at sea Tomomori is a warrior of the defeated Taira lineage. He is looking for revenge. Disguised as a spirit, he will attack Yoshitsune’s boat at sea. The child-emperor Antoku, also a Taira, his wet nurse Suke no Tsubone and ladies-in-waiting, now in court dress, are waiting anxiously for the outcome of the battle. 0:44:45 – 4 On the beach of Daimotsu Tomomori’s plan to kill Yoshitsune at sea has failed. Deadly wounded he appears on the beach of Daimotsu. 1:04:57 – 5 The residence of van Kawatsura Hogen Yoshitsune is still on the run for the followers of his older brother. He is now hiding in the residence of Kawatsura Hogen and his wife Asuka. 1:54:13 – 6 In front of the Zaodo Temple Tadanobu, a vassal of Yoshitsune, is at the Zaodo Temple. He hopes to meet the killer of his brother there. 2:07:45 – Credits