The dance-drama "Tachi Nusubito" was premiered in July 1917 at the Ichimuraza. It was a kyôgen (comical farce in the Nô theater) adapted to Kabuki by Okamura Shikô with a musical accompaniment written by Kineya Mitarô V. Onoe Kikugorô VI, Bandô Hikosaburô VI and Bandô Mitsugorô VII play the 3 roles of the dance.

One day Kurobei's eye catches sight of Manbei's sword, which is made of gold. Although Manbei is very cautious, Kurobei eventually manages to quietly remove the sword from Manbei in a crowd. When Manbei finds his sword missing and notices Kurobei wearing it, a loud dispute ensues. At the sound of their clamor, a magistrate named Saemon and his assistant, Tônai, appear. Both Kurobei and Manbei insist that they are the rightful owners of the sword. After taking possession of the sword, Saemon declares that he will settle the matter by asking a few questions in order to decide who the true owner is. The real owner of the sword should be able to answer correctly.

Saemon adds another condition, they should also perform a dance which has a deep relation with the sword in question. The examination begins. Saemon tests Manbei first and then asks Kurobei the same questions. Thus Kurobei, having overheard Manbei's answers, can easily respond. He also follows Manbei's example when it comes to the dancing. In this way, Kurobei gives a convincing performance until Manbei realizes that he is aping him. After realizing the thief's strategy, he begins speaking in a low voice and dancing so as not to be seen by the other man. Kurobei finds himself unable to continue the deception and thereby reveals his identity.

This summary has been written by Watanabe Hisao and edited by Jeff Blair [website]

Bandô Mitsugorô VII portraying the farmer Manbei in the dance-drama "Tachi Nusubito" in a print made by Natori Shunsen (1927)