Stage names:

Sawamura Sônosuke III
Sawamura Sômaru II

Real name: Yamamoto Masaharu

Guild: Kinokuniya

Line number: SANDAIME (III)

Birthday: 6 May 1972

Connections:

Master: Sawamura Sôjûrô IX

Career:

June 1978: he makes his first appearance on stage at the Shimbashi Embujô, playing the role of Komawakamaru in the classic "Hirakana Seisuiki".

September 1981: he becomes heyago of the actor Sawamura Sôjûrô IX, who gives him the name of Sawamura Sômaru II. He plays the role of Senmatsu in the classic "Meiboku Sendai Hagi".

July 1998: Sômaru becomes nadai.

September 1999: Sawamura Sômaru II takes the name of Sawamura Sônosuke III at the Kabukiza, playing the role of Oasa in the sewamono "Kaga Tobi".

January 2000: Sônosuke plays the role of the courtesan Ukihashi in the play "Sukeroku Yukari no Edo Zakura", which is performed at the Shimbashi Embujô.

January 2001: his master Sawamura Sôjûrô IX dies.

Comments:

Sawamura Sônosuke III started his career early by playing in a children theater troupe. His rigourous training as an onnagata actor started when he joined the Kinokuniya guild. He is a very promising actor and the only young hope of a guild stricken by the sudden death of Sawamura Sôjûrô IX and the long sick leave of Sawamura Tôjûrô II.

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