ONNA DATE
   
Dance title Onna Date  In Japanese
Kantan Sono no Kikuchô  In Japanese
Authors Segawa Jokô II (lyrics)
Kineya Rokuzaemon IX (music)
History

The 7-role Nagauta-based dance-drama "Kantan Sono no Kikuchô" was premiered in the 4th lunar month of 1809 at the Nakamuraza, starring Segawa Senjo (onna date, yamanba), Segawa Tamon I (kamuro) and Segawa Rokô IV (keisei, komori, kintarô, shirabyôshi). This dance was staged to commemorate the 36th anniversary (37th memorial service) of the passing away of Segawa Kikunojô II.

Key words Shosagoto
Nagauta
Onna Date
Yoshiwara
Shakuhachi
Otokodate
Summary

Ohide of Kizaki, the female otokodate, a female version of the Edo gallant, wears the identifiable costume of the otokodate and carries the same bamboo shakuhachi. She is in the middle of the Yoshiwara pleasure quarters. She is one of the beauties of Edo. A couple of men who are in love with her come to try to flirt with her but she gets impatient and chases them, brandishing her shakuhachi as a powerful weapon. She changes her mind and dances gallantly like the famous otokodate Sukeroku. She depicts fight scenes using her hand towel. Then, at the end of the dance, she takes her leave. In her place comes a wealthy man accompanied by a young courtesan, a taiko mochi professional jester and others colorful people. They are talking about the happenings at the Yoshiwara. At daybreak, they head home one after another.

This summary would have not been possible without the help of Sekidobashi Sakura!

Bandô Tomino performing the leading role of the dance "Onna Date" in April 1999

 
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