Nagawa Chikuyô I's drama "Nagara no Chôja Uguisuzuka" was premiered in the 8th lunar month of 1813 at the Ônishi no Shibai [more details]. It was was based on the legend of Uguisuzuka. It was staged for the first time in Edo with a different title, Segawa Jokô II's drama "Mukashigatari Uguisuzuka", in the 5th lunar month of 1832 at the Kawarasakiza [more details]. It ended with a 5-part Nagauta/Tomimoto dance-drama entitled "Somenobori Ayame no Irozashi". "Uguisuzuka" became a very popular drama because of its for its over-the-top romantic scenes, especially appreciated in koshibai, where it was often staged up to WWII. After WWII, only a few production in the 1950s and the 1960s and it fell into oblivion. It was revived at the National Theatre in October 2007 [casting | more details].

The actors Sawamura Tosshô I (left) and Matsumoto Kôshirô V (right) playing the roles of Kawachi no Sasaki Gentazaemon and Taga no Sasaki Gentazaemon in the drama "Mukashigatari Uguisuzuka", which was staged in the 5th lunar month of 1832 at the Kawarasakiza (print made by Utagawa Kuniyoshi)

Prints & Illustrations