Kabuki Theater - Jusshuko: Ten Types of Incense; Kenreimonin

JUSSHUKO: TEN TYPES OF INCENSE - This piece is one of the great examples of Kabuki plays adapted from the Bunraku Puppet Theatre. The role of Princess Yaêgaki, here played by Utaemon, is one of the most difficult princess roles in the repertoire. Set in the 16th century, Jusshuko depicts a power struggle between two warlords feuding over a sacred helmet. KENREIMONIN - Drawn from The Tale of the Heike, this plays recounts the dramatic and tragic life of Taira no Tokuko who took the name of Kenreimonin. In this act, Kenreimonin renounces the world in order to become a Buddhist nun. She spends the remainder of her life praying for the souls of her dead Heike clansmen. With Optional English Commentary.