refers to a family of kabuki actors in Kyoto and OsakaNussbaum, Louis-Frédéric. (2005). "Sakata Tōjūrō" in ; n.b., Louis-Frédéric is pseudonym of Louis-Frédéric Nussbaum, see Deutsche Nationalbibliothek Authority File . and it is the stage name of a series of Kabuki actors over the course of the history of the form.
The first Sakata Tōjūrō (1646–1709) was the most popular kabuki actor in Kyoto-Osaka during the Genroku era.Brandon, James R. (2000). "Sakata Tojuro (1647 - 1709)," in He played tachiyaku roles. He pioneered the wagoto form of the Kamigata (Kansai) theatre as his counterpart in Edo, Ichikawa Danjūrō I, did the same for the aragoto form.
Sakata Tōjūrō was actor-manager (zagashira) of the Mandayū Theatre in Kyoto; and during this period, the house playwright Chikamatsu Monzaemon. Chikamatsu praised the actor's craft, including careful attention to the dramatic requirements of the script and encouraging other actors to study the actual details of a character's circumstances.
Unlike most other kabuki lineages which can be traced back in a more or less unbroken line, whether by blood or by adoption, the name of Sakata Tōjūrō was not held for over 230 years, from the death of Sakata Tōjūrō III in 1774 until the name was taken up, and the lineage restarted, by Nakamura Ganjirô III, who changed his name to Sakata Tōjūrō IV in 2005.
Lineage Sakata Tōjūrō I (1646–1709) - Originated the wagoto form; innovator of Genroku kabuki. Sakata Tōjūrō II (1711–1724)Note: With the exception of the first in the lineage, the dates given here do not represent the birth/death dates of the actor; rather, they indicate the period during which the actor held the name Tōjūrō. - Student of Tōjūrō I.Nussbaum, "Sakata Tōjūrō II" at Sakata Tōjūrō III (1739–1774) - Adopted son of Tōjūrō II.Nussbaum, "Sakata Tōjūrō III" at Sakata Tōjūrō IV (2005–2020) - Formerly Nakamura Ganjirō IV. Took on the name in order to revive the lineage,Kabuki Preservation Society. (2008). Kabuki techō, p. 130. and as part of a greater effort to maintain Kamigata kabuki.
Notes
References
Irwin, Greg. "A Talk With the National Treasure Kabuki Actor, Tojuro Sakata: What's in a Name?" Kawaraban. vol 32. Tokyo: Shinnichiya. . (2008). . Tokyo: . Nussbaum, Louis-Frédéric and Käthe Roth. (2005). Japan encyclopedia. Cambridge: Harvard University Press. ; OCLC 58053128
External links The Line of Sakata Tōjūrō