The Aragoto Masterpiece EXPLAINED・Shibaraku (1697)

The kabuki play Shibaraku ("Wait a Moment!") was first staged by Ichikawa Danjūrō I at the Nakamura-za theatre in Edo, and represents the greatest surviving example of aragoto drama. Let's have a look at its plot and some of the main elements!

Since the beginning of the Heisei period in 1989, there has been only 14 performances of Shibaraku, 4 by Ichikawa Danjūrō XII, 6 by his son, Ichikawa Ebizō XI, 2 by Onoe Shōroku IV (as part of productions of Gohiiki Kanjinchō), 1 by Ichikawa Uzaemon XVII (in 1993) and 1 by Matsumoto Kōshirō IX (in 1991).

#kabuki #theatre #japan

[KabukiInDepth]

As requested by many of you, I'll cover the plot of some of the most important plays from the kabuki repertoire and explain some of the most basic concepts. I hope you enjoy them and it is not too bothersome for the people already familiar with them!

[shadowjack]

I have no idea what I just watched, but it was spectacular.

[andremaccarini]

This style has grown on me. It's epic, comical, satirical and dramatic. Would love to see it live.

[childofcascadia]

Takehira's men's "heads" rolling on stage when Kagemasa struck them down wasnt something I expected. That was pretty cool.
I wish I could understand enough of this kind of Japanese to watch a whole play. But its very hard for me to understand.

[EllanDay-hzib]

One of the best programs I’ve ever seen on the kabuki and it’s history ❤❤❤

[scaremoonturkey]

The makeup + costume combos are MAGNIFICENT. It's my own hope and wish to see a kabuki presentation if I ever get the chance to visit Japan!

[chwhite]

Thanks! I had no idea of the story line for this one.

[andressilva]

The costume of Kagemasa must be the most uncomfortable thing to walk on.

[denverrandy]

How Wonderful, I would love to see in person.

[kagamisan]

I love shibaraku have you seen Onna shibaraku different but interesting
The hero is replaced in the play by his sister because he was busy and everyone is shocked to see someone else in the role to summarize

[dogman]

Absolutely mesmerizing. Thank you for sharing. I just became a fan of Kabuki Theatre.

[LusciousTwinkle]

Ive never watched anything about Japanese theatre before hooked!!! FASCINATING!!! Beautiful and so compelling!!! Im off for a binge now!!! subbed natch!!!

[ワクワク-ib]

Hi Kabuki In-Depth, I am a huge fan and supporter of your amazing channel and I absolutely love and can't get enough of your superb content! Thank you so much on the behalf of everyone for creating such high quality content for English speaking individuals and giving us a chance to enjoy and indulge in the world of Kabuki too. I'm a beginner in the Japanese language and my ability to understand the intricate and complex dialogue with the rich vocabulary used is relatively poor. Is there a way I can find full Kabuki plays online that are subbed in English? Would you also be able to upload full kabuki plays that are subbed? Thank you for your time!

[reynalindstrom]

Thank you, I love it. Love from Sweden 💛💙

[giuseppinaciani]

Buongiorno vi adoro molto siete unici con i costumi super complimenti vi guardo sempre eureka grazie 👍👏🎉😍

[alexvignolo]

“Wait a moment” was referenced in Samurai Champloo when they took the Dutch ambassador on a tour of Edo.

[nickymaz]

Fantastic video, thank you for making it. You just earned a new subscriber.

[vladdracula]

The shit you come up with when you've been trapped on an island for centuries

[MrZauberelefant]

Kinda looks like the actors appear to take it seriously in performance, but a bit tongue in cheek as professionals

[BillSch]

Thanks! This is very informative. What a great form of theater.