April 9 - The Kabuki Theater in Ginza will be torn down. Ann and I were both shocked when we heard the news. Not that we attend kabuki performances at this theater often. But its imposing edifice has served as a symbol of stability while much of the surrounding Ginza neighborhood has been torn down and rebuilt. Nowadays so many Ginza buildings resemble their cousins in New York or Paris. The Kabuki Theater, however, was unique to Tokyo. We decided that we needed to attend a March performance in order to say good-bye to this dear old friend.
Ann and I visited with some women wearing beautiful kimono.
We saw a series of selections from the play "Sugawara and the Secrets of Calligraphy". The performance that afternoon was everything we expected. Rich costumes, fantastic sets, dramatic music and singing, and wonderful acting. The scene "Sanmon Gosan no Kiri" opens with the evil villain Goemon sitting atop the main gate at the Nanzen Temple in Kyoto admiring the cherry blossoms. We in the audience were at eye level with him, gazing down on Kyoto City. Part way through the scene, the gate rises as if by magic revealing the base of the gate where his rival Hisayoshi stands.
There were only 41 days left on the countdown, when we were there in March.
The final scene, "Wait a Minute," is one of the oldest pieces in kabuki. Just as an evil villain is about to execute some loyal retainers, a voice from the back calls out, "Wait a minute." This scene is actually a parody because the "hero" who makes such a dramatic last-minute entrance from the rear of the theater is a delicate woman (played of course by a man). After she saves the day and the villains depart the stage, she drops her sword saying it is far to heavy to carry. She attempts to flee in embarrassment, but a "manager" then appears and tells her that the audience expects a dramatic warrior's exit. Much to our delight, he coached her in how to execute the dramatic poses required for a warrior's stage exit.
Ann and I thoroughly enjoyed our afternoon of kabuki. Sayonara Kabuki Theater.
Until next time,
Jim
How do you do, Jim-san. I just found your Blog on the site and really enjoyed reading it. I am also impressed with your sincere attitude towards your job. Your warm and open-hearted personality is reflected in your passages. I have read back your old blogs and also have been touched by your love and dedication towards your wife, Mrs. Zumwalt, Ann-san. (I enjoyed lovely photos as well).
By reading a variety of episodes, I have become relaxed and felt very good and could naturally wear a big smile on my face. I surely need this kind of quality time in my daily life from time to time. Thank you very much for sharing your personal events to us for your busy schedule. I am looking forward to reading them in the future as well.
Your new fan, Chizuko
Dear Mr. Zumwalt,
This is Taeko Hishinuma of Shochiku Co., Ltd. We have opened an English Kabuki website. I believe it is very helpful for non-Japanese speakers in Japan to understand Kabuki, as well as booking Kabuki tickets online in English environment.
Please take a look, and I would appreciate if you can introduce them to your blog readers.
Thank you for your attention, in advance.
Also if you have a time to enjoy Kabuki next time, please let me know.
