Male Actor as Female
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
Male Actor as Female
The celebrated actor Tomedjuro Nakamura, in the female role of Kaishi
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 617737
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10084704
1750 Celebrated Nakamura Regional Role
EDITORS COMMENTS
In this photograph from the annals of Japanese theatrical history, the celebrated actor Tomedjuro Nakamura (1882-1958) is seen gracefully embodying the female role of Kaishi. The image, captured in the early 20th century, showcases Nakamura's extraordinary talent and versatility as an actor, defying gender norms and challenging conventional expectations. Kaishi is a character from the historical Noh play "Kanadehon Chūshingura," also known as "The Treasury of Loyal Retainers," a classic tale of love, loyalty, and revenge set in 18th-century Japan. In this play, Kaishi is the wife of the loyal samurai Kaname, who is betrayed by his lord and forced to commit seppuku (ritual suicide) along with his comrades. Kaishi's role is pivotal, as she is the one who delivers the message to the avenging samurai, urging them to seek justice for their fallen lord and friends. Tomedjuro Nakamura, a renowned actor of the Kawarazaki-Ono school, was known for his mastery of various acting styles, including Noh, Kabuki, and Bunraku. His portrayal of Kaishi, however, stands out as a remarkable achievement, as he dared to step out of the traditional male-dominated realm of Japanese theater and take on the challenging role of a woman. This photograph is a testament to Nakamura's artistry, as he seamlessly transforms into Kaishi, capturing the essence of the character's strength, resilience, and emotional depth. The image, taken in the early 1900s, offers a glimpse into the rich history of Japanese theater and the groundbreaking performances that defied gender boundaries. Tomedjuro Nakamura's portrayal of Kaishi serves as an inspiration for future generations of actors and artists, demonstrating the power of art to transcend societal norms and explore the depths of human emotion and experience.
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