(CHARACTERS saparosnt, younger brother vaxusuit, envoy from the shogue ofthe shogun ‘Goro, eerlyrelainer of By Hagan vet, Son of Yuranosue rosa YoRanosuKe. chief ‘elanerof Enya Hagan xupax6, former retainer of Biya Hangan, now ‘Moronao' py rpeiewon, oer brother of OKers ENO MORON, chief ‘eur ofthe shogun ‘ad governor of Kamakura [MONONO: VAKASANOSUKE, ¢youuig sonra NYA Haan, oUNg provincial lord aso, wife of Enya Hangon sunoizy scutcaxe, Moranads KAKOOAWA HON, bodyguard chief tain of sarawonr nrvastAci, retainer Wokesancsuke to Bry Hangan shotéaka BANAL Planer PROVINIAT-ORDS of Maronao 007 xan in love with Kampei, RETAINERS nd later his fe EADIES-RE-WATTING Adaptation by Nakamura Matagoro Hand James R. Brandon ‘TRANSLATED BY JAMES R. BRANDON, JUNKO BERBERICH, AND MICHAEL FELDMAN, Eutee sansa PLACER cond seach MANAGE ‘SthOR MANAGER rasrea TIME AND PLACE OF ACTION ‘Act Scpwe: 1: Hachimsn Shrine in Kamakar, 1238. ‘Senta 2 Outside the goteof the shogun mansion in Kamakura, the next evening, Scans 5 The Pine Room ofthe shogunal mansion jn Kamala, afew mites later. [AetiL Scant a Along the road, near Mt. uj te following rorting Scene 2 A reception zoom in Boy Hangenls mansion, same dy. Senay The rear gat of Enya Hangaris mansion, Smmenedatelyfellowing. ‘ActTIt Scant 4 The Ibi Brothel in Kyoto, eighteen months the easat retainer of ya AIDS Inter Hangar ALL CBE ‘Seats 2:The garden of Mozonact mansion in Kamekura, ssitng the shogun icieexe CHORUS several dayslater representative at souomens Hang death S798 ASSISTANTS ACT ONE grace anace: (Riythme prolonged cals from oftage righ.) cen "ery, heat ye, heat ye hese ye, hea ye hear ye. hear ye Hachiman Shrine ‘two sharp clacks ofthe hardwood ki signal oftage musicians qe begin dow and reguar dram and fle ms, "Kata Shag” (Cilalf Shag) The deliberate pace ofthe musi gradually ae eters, The lights inthe auditorium dim slighty the audience trates ho kabul curtain of broad rust, bach, and green stripes. Very stony the curtaln i pushed open by aSTAGE ASSISTANT swing fom sage righ et Ki lacks intespese every eighth, ery fourth, then evry second dri beat. Draining and kt teyingle asthe tempo rapidly increases during the last fo feet ofthe curtain opening. The scencisa ceremonial audience before ‘Flachiman Shrine in Kamakura The shogun brother, TADAOST isseated onthe center ofa broad stone plaform running across the back ofthe stage He wears a subued Chinese style court robe th louse irsers and gold lacquered hat. On ls let sits the Lighest local oficial ofthe goverzment, xO MoRONAO. A ole tinous blak robe wi arge sleeves and tailing trousers encase Tis boy ad a high black ha increases his height, Six PRovINesA owns kel behind thems onthe platform. Kneeling on the ground before them are two samurai fica, MOMONOL WAKASANOSUKE lsd tive nawtaan sessed, respectively. in powder blue and Jello robes ofthe sae exaggerated cut as HORORAO', and Wa Zax if, xaovo, She wears a sik embroidered kimono and over Jabs of deep blue. Two POOTNaN sian the ground croslegged fo ths ight The heads ofl the characters are dropped forwara Tinply on thelr chests, nition of pupeetsbsfore they ave bea brought to ie. To Kclackssigral the music stop and he action of te scene to begin 128 (Deep, thik chon ofa jor, puppet style, samtsen are heard from thesmll oor above the sl steele. The ea of orl ‘Ransin raven ad annaron are ot son, Bu they ean sete Section om slag trough he tin bamboo blind tha hangs front Sfthre The sassarox constanly iftshs ool stl betwee Tend ofhatspoen chanting and singing ls tones eric and Jalan unabasiedly projet the exes of man emotion. Bach Jolie is recs etere. Sharp ise chords punctuate he ed of cheme phase, tho became melodic under ug passages ojlleblecan be clipped or tacat, or team be rolanged into ‘lengthy eit spread over many samtsen chads, so that the suarrtvelne compres or expands in ine order tbat proj tet the these needs of the raorent) wannaron: (Chents) "A banquet laid out before your eyes! ‘Wrthout eating ofits food, never wil you be able to know its taste!” Likewise, countey in peace. its able retainers will hide thei gallantey and chivalry (Sings) Take ouc story asm example... witness here and now. ncown stack aawaonns (Calling from ofitage left) Hear ye, heat yes eae ye, heat ye. ear ye! _srage neanaatss (Calling from oftage center) Hear ye hear ye. hoary anexton: (Chants) Ashikage government clef Takauji has Kyoto as the headquarters of hl eign, hs power expanding "The tnt isthe closing of February thirteen thity-sight “Theplace is Kamakura in the ess, at Hachimon Shrine, ow completed in its averome grandeur. (Sing) Gathered here to Celebrate battle fought and won are lords of distinction, 820 25 30 5 rn 6 thele solemn moments (Chants) Actingas government proxy, Ashikaga Tadayosht has jas arrived from the capital... of kyoto! (At the mention of hiename, ravavosu raves his head, opens his tyes and elegantly flcks open his sleves: puppet, he hasbeen “brought toe") Hore in Kamakuse, he is received by the shogur's official, ‘Keno Mosonaol Te ofcers ofthe reception are: Momonot Wakasanosuke Yeeuchika, Moronao’ target of displeasure for has rough manners, and Hekushu’s castle lord, Baya Hangen "Takasu, (Sings) Among these men, single lower, Lady Kaoye, wifeof Hagan. (Bach character, as named, contest lif showing his o her ‘personality through the imple actions of iting the head, opening the ees, ad adjusting the trafing Kirton sleeves: NORONAD' vil nature--seven abrupt head Jers ending in a ere mie (pose with eyes rosed, arms extending aggressively forward as fio loud beats ofthe wooden teuke eal attention othe pose: WAKASANOSURES impetuosty—five strong movements ofthe head sudden opening ofthe eyes, each arm flicked out indepen dently HascAN's composure-three smooth head movements, gentle eye opening, and both sleeves elegantly adjusted: EAOxOS Inodesty—to moventent aa excep forthe slow raising of the head, Narrative shifts song) ‘Moronao casts amorous eyesat thi rare beaaty. Loyal men, Dowing low. (isononno fers openly ot kaove. Then everyone places thelr hands onthe floor aid they make a ceremonious, deep bow t ‘raDayosns, Narrative returns fo chanting) As Tadayoshi speaks, listen in reverence! (AIIgpé their heads and listen respectflly) -rapsvosut: (Clear, unaected vole, looking straight head.) ‘Attend, Lady Kaoyo! xxaoro: (Bowing) My lord ‘Paoavoun ti the shogun nt 1, who has summoned you here "You served the emperor Godaigo when he bestowed upon the watsior Yoshida the imperial battle crown. Nov ith prayers commemorating our victory in battle, my brother the shogan wills that this battle crown be dedicated to the thrine of Hachiman, god of war. fyou can, confim that this and no other ithe one! Come, come! Answer me, novo: (Bowing) My lord Naraton: (Chants) Attendants carry forth the precious battle crown, bending down to open up the heavy wooden chest. Lifting up the battle crow... it the ne of fame? (Sings) Though guaing closely atthe batl crow held high, she will only speak when she certain... and then floating famous fragrance of the crown well known. (the two roosnen place a large wooden ches center and remove fis. They bring ou a samara helmet Is golden ftings gleam tn te light xaovo moves forward the better to observe it, nels, and noticing its pecal perf, nods decisively) (CHOSHINGURA » THE FORTY-SEVEN SAMURA 129 aovos Thisis the very crown Yoshlsada wore in battle, Lean say with certainty. annaton (Chants) Saying these words, Kaayo Dowsdecpin 50 (Ghe bows. A rooraas places the helmet a ranavosin's fot With the second 00st, he caries off the chest) _tanayosin: Fay Hangan! Momonoi Wekasanosukel In ‘conjunction with the dedication, all ceremonles are placed in Yyourcare. Consult Lord Moronae. Keoyo, you may go xaovo: Bowing) My lord ‘ateaTon (Chants) Kaoyo has now been freed ofher demanding task, waiting a hislordship inte the palace goes! 5s (rapavosit rises; a stage assisran takes off the stool he has been sitting on, Without looking tothe right o the walks wit ‘dignified git down the tps, He stops and poses, Drum and flute ‘lay stately exit mace, rapavost flicks open his sleeves, turns, ‘and moves slowly offlef. PROVINCIAL LORDS rte ad fellow their formal court trousers railing behind thens. ota bring tp the rear. Tey exit. The music centres in the background as ANOAY, WAKASANOSUKE, and KAYO play ou! silence their petitions to ston0Nno for permission fo depart. To axons’ pole bow of request NORONAO rods condescendingly. HANGAN Fises and with unrafled composure, goes off left carrying the Feline! rth him, tobe depested in Ihe shrine. waKASANOSUXE, bows brusquely, scarcely bothering to conceal his contempt for MORONAO. Dn response, MoRONAO deliberately and disdatnflly ‘aerts his gaze. Moving fo where sin woRONAOS line of sight, ‘again, WARASHNOELEE bows a secon time, mare brasquely til ‘Again aononna ignores hin and looks aay. Trembling wit fury vrawasanosunn moves directly in front of wononAo and bows a {hed time, atononad looks over his head asf the young samura vere ot there. WAKASAMOBDKE Teaps xp bx age, strikes back his eeve, and rushes off left Music stops. MORONAO laughs sound Testy then looks expectant to xaoxo, who bows politely, rises, anu tarts to move aay. MORONAO rises, STAGE ASSISTANT Femoving the stool on which he hasbeen sting. He stops KAOro ‘vith an vncous, bu clearly threatening, comniand) ononAo: One moment, Lady Kaoyo! [wish to havea word wit "You. Tbelieve that you an I share in common an unspoken >assion, forthe art of writing poetry. Willyousccept from me_ 60 this poem, composed with loving ear, your reply to which ‘ill not be dispensed to reclve from your own ips, Keoyo, amylady. xaapAvon: (Chants) From his sleeve to her sleeve, alore letter from Moronao!(Singe) Saying nota single word, she throws 65 iteside, (Crossing to her, woxonno looks around to se that no oe is ‘watching. He pases @ love letter into xaovo's sleve. She taki touts and looking a the salutation, knows immediately what i Coaly she drops tothe ground. sonoma scons it up and tucks itamway inthe breast ofhis Rison.) sono (insinuating) Casually you cast my letter tothe ‘round, but you will mt east down my intentions thet esa. {Until you accept my love, Iwi track you, chsse you, wear You down In the palace your husbsnd is my puppet toriseor to 706 *0 90 |, i 4130 UNITH «THE THEATER OF CLASSICAL JAPAN fat ini dates, solely on Moronsc' will Kayo, my ay wll! Do you not agree? (dleglances abou gan, Hen moves bein her and ene her rea emnace, She dere tris tfc ref ther bodes Sina back and forth) anno: (Sings Inher heart arcangey words but Keoye Tefen, Dear Lady Keoye, tears in he es (thou warming waxasastosis strides on. Taking the situa tion a glance, he turns his back) “waxasanosui: Ahem! Ahem! (Furious, MonoNAo breaks viway, WaxasaNosuxe mioves Bride Ka0ro) Lady Kaoyo, sey redayooh disnssed you long ago. Ifyou linger, you retaking his éspleasute, Go! Do not stay a moment Jonger! scant es, good Lord Waketenosuke, with your permission, shal eae my lev wannaron (Sings) Bardened with cre to her mansion ‘Kaoyo returns, enoro boms and moves quickly onto the anaeichs the rampway vrnel extends from the sage, through the audience, fo the rear of Treeattriun. She tops atthe "sover-three” postion, that is he poston sone ofthe distance from the back ofthe auto aon thrce tents from te stage. She poses, puts her hands nite her Bimono sleeves, then rgally moves down the banainichi. ‘She passes out of ight asthe narration ends) ssononao: (Suarfing) No one summoned you! You are insolent, ‘Yatasanostlkel Kaoyo was entoating mein private haience, to guide Hengan in his palace dates, Thats ovr even the mighty must grovel before the shogun’schiet qounellor, And who ae yout A country rustic, a nobody. So {bua single word from Mronao would send you tumbling thro the steels to beg for your feed! And you call youreelé tonura? A samara? (ono%A0 strikes WAKASANOSORS'S hha with his heavy far) You... ass-rac-alt (On the last finze syllables, wonowno srs WaKASANOSUKE'S chest pated hl, and cst again. WAKASANOSUKE falls back) Bibs blockhead country bumpkist annaron: (Chants) You dace to meddle tle man? Moronas’s “venge Busting in hot anger, Wekazanosuke.. here inthe reread Shrine before his Majesty, a moment of patience is ll Seed One more word decides my if, death may be my fatet ‘Wakasanosuke now holds himself int (tothe norration: waxssanosoxe pose with hand on the hilt (jntsswords he notices heen sacred shrine and falls backs bit Tet trembles he nods with eleterminaton, dows his fan nt the cr and lunges forward as ito draw his sword. wonosiso slaps his Jan against wascasatosuKs sword arm and glares a his young Spponent in alarm and roge At that moment cry is heard fem Borage announcing the return of rs0A%088) -yorcrs oF (in unison) Row down MonowAo: (Snarling) Bove down, say! nsonosno strites waxasassure’ssword arm viciously with is lon, warcasanosuke. dros toon fet, glares at WORONAO, find pres th isha on his sword. Moon rashes wp the aterm ps, sueny pivots back to fce WAXASANOSURE fps pon hisses, and pores nacre mie. ono cross Hise ‘Prd glares to wo lout beats ofthe tuk. waiasaNOsuKE restrans nel his chet heaves The cartin is ran closed toaccelerating i hacks: A single lack marks the end ofthe zene and signals the ‘age drum and itt paySagartha ("Departure she scone fschanged) SCENE II Bribery and Rendezvous ‘two ki cack the curtain fru open. Ki clacks accelerate then, ade aay. The scene isthe rear gate ofthe shogunal mansion Jn Kamakara where the eate ceremonies areto be held 1 ight, Pale blue ight floods the stage. One ki clack signals action to begin. snannator: (Chants) Chief retainer of Wakasanosuke, (Sigs) ‘Kekogua Hon comes in with tray fll of git, 28 signed tek, (ron, carrying a tray fils as bribe for monOwnOs comes (nto the banarachi- He stops atthe sever-shree position, looks foward the gate, and poses) snowed Banna, Master Banna {eansas a comie villa, enters from ins the gate, wONz0 ‘novesqukly onto the stage, places the gifts on the grown. and Tencls respectfully before Basta) panna: (Oficiously) Someone calls me. Who ist whe tsi \Notiesowz0, Starts) State your business, Tama busy own (owing obsequously) am Kakogawa Hon2®, retainer of omonol Wakzsanosuke santa (Chuckles delighted) The bluebled Wakasanosuke indi frend, the yellow eanary Enya Hrangan, ate county cons, Whata cocking they will make: the palace. Ry ‘ny master, Lord Moronao, wil plo them clean! swonzbs (Carefully watching peat expression) That ithe vnatter on which Ihave come, good Banna My master it Joung and untutored in the intricacies of palace etiquette Balpwith Lord Mororzc's generous guidance wil he be able focacry out his iroportant duties, Taking this opportunity “pres my gratitude for your master’ favor, chief (uone8 bows low, wanna tur front with aselfsatsfied sack conbis face) sawitat Byryoneneedea chef councilor’ favors. Dut yout ‘Wakasanonuke was tae o my maser, Go back where You. ‘ame fein go back, go avy! (BANWAT strikes a pose: feet faguthes head upright it extended toward HONE) noszo: What you sy I tr, stil please acopt these gts on ochalf of Wabasunosuke and his grateful followers (owed bows toward the gifts of stk He loks abou, 0 be sure they are unseen, then takes outa wrapped package of gold coins “Moving forward on is Knees to Bana side he drops the pack- ‘age ino the open kimono sleeve) Carty my message to Lord Moronao, Do what is necessary, (good Banna. Will yos do co, Bannai? Bennal? rt} 8 2» *(Qoxe8 tugs lightly on sana’ sleeve) ransAton: (Chants) Wondering, Banal takes it in his hand! (eronca flks nox20s hand away and i dobig so strikes the heavy coins He clutches hiefingers ipa, then wonders what his hand Ii ie sneaks look at the coins. He react with delighted surprise) nanrator: (Sigs) Money talks words of power! 30 sansa fuse his attitude completly charged.) Well, well, ‘Kakogawa Hon, how nice of you to come. (He squats and ‘ois to owz0.) You have conve a the right moment the ceremonial rooms are being prepared. Come, come! (aanoeas picks up the tray of ifs, rises, and gestures for sowe6 to ‘fallow hin) 0326: (Bowing carefully) 1am person of no importance, do 35 not dare enter the palace anna (Proudly) IfLord Moronao is with you, whe would dare ‘object? Come, [willow you the rooms. sont: [will eter then, most gratefull. ‘baxitat: Then come along. Come along! (axons poses. Hong bows. They eros foward the gate: three fies sansa turns back, chuckling and bavsng, to beckon HON? {forward, At the gate BANAT stopsshort) 40 Master lonz0, the threshold is high. NaRnATOK: (Sings) Motonto ishappy: Honz® bought thelife of ‘Wakasanosule His scheme nowis accomplished, Together they go (eanosar steps carfly over the foot high threshold ofthe gate and goes inside, followed by nowz6,) aRnatOn: (A nd song as ifpart ofthe entertainment nse the mansion) “At the end ofthe journey we have reached Takasago Bay; 45 Attheend ofthe oueney we have reached Takasago Bay” (oxan, a beautiful young girl in er late tens, enterson the anaemic she wears a maidens railng kimono wath long sleeves, ina purple arrow pattern. She holds lacquered eter ‘box in her right hand, She tops af the seven-thre position looks toward the gate, and poset) ‘oxanus My Lady Kaoyo urgently sends thisletter coher husband, ‘Lord nya Hangan. How fortunate that, he favorite, was allowed to bring it Dearest Kampei,lcanot bear tobe apart {rom you a single moment. (offtage musicians play no-style drm ane fate music inthe background. xavers, a young saraural enters from the gate ol Towed bya nezannsn, They weer Black kimono under si vets; thelr divided skirts are folded up to their ees, showing that they ‘recon guard duty. kaserst isin the service of waxcoaw and Is ‘OKARUS lover ORARU sees his aid rue to ree inn) 50 Kaspar: Okara, sit yout ‘oxARU: (Coquetishly) Dearest Kamps, missed youso. (CHDSHINIGURA » THE FORTY-SEVBN SAMURAL 131 ann (Fstered and worried about meeting her while he eon sdty) Bat why ate you here atthe palace gate at night, and all alone? ‘omni I've come fr Lady Kaoyo, “Meet Kempeind tell himhe $5 sto ask my husband to deliver ths etter to Lord Moronao"— those were her very words. (anu passes him the ltt box) aners: (Unsure) Tam to deliver this directly to Lord angen? noxand: Yes, dearest Kempe. (She snes inviting thine) xantrnr: Weit for me, Okaru a, (ie turns 0 g0) ‘ono (She hols his sleeve) Kempe antbb: should take to our mater myeelf. should ‘bewith him Iismy duty not vo leavehis side in the palace (Weis resolute. He ies to leave she rugs gently persuasively at Jissleve, He looks into her pleading eyes He decides, He turns to the neraiver) ‘Take this immediately to Lord flangen. 65 srraaniea ill (the nstaanen takes the etter box, bow, and eesses into the Po) ‘OkARUET want to be with yo so. Now that weare here, together autem: You ate fused with excitement, Okarul ‘oxanu: (Taking his hand tn hers) Pleasecome.tdon'tearel 70, annaron (Sings) Seizing fastherlover'shand .. she leeds him. say (She presses against hi boldly folding her arm over hi. They ‘posta sharp ki clack emphasizes the moment. Ofjtage drum and ‘snnisen reste in he background. They look exited into each ‘other's eyes and then hurriedly cross into the davkness ofthe res beyond the gate. The curtain is run quickly closed to accelerating ki lacks, Musicends. Soft intermittent i clacks mark ime while the scons changed) ScENE Pine Room ‘work clacs:thecurtan opens, The sane aang reception room of theshogunal mansion called the le Room because ofthe designs painted onthe gold siding doors extending across the ful stage. A single Ki lack ection begins "NaknATOR: (Chants) Utter indignation, for Moronao satel Impatintly waiting in the palace... Wakassnosukel (waxasaosuxs ruses onto the hanamichl, Hedrops tone knee atthe seven-three positon, resolutely slaps his thigh, and poss,432. UNIFIN« THE THEATER OF CLASSICALIAPAN wnitingfor the arrival of woRowao.A sliding doo eft opens. pid drum ave fle musi Banat ushers MOROSAO onstage, owing obsequiousy. He carries asmeil paper tater to ight the room Without a word, WAKASANOSORE leaps oi fet Sips pvond arm fre ofthe restricting formal vest and rushes to attack onOMIA0, BANAAT monietrlly is able to block WAKABANOSURES doth bt then shred tothe flor as WAKASANOSOXE pushes asl Sononac falls to hs knee. He clasps his hands together leading. pena toms hs ms around WAKASANOSUKT Tower eg, hold ing hi ast Musle stops) ononAo: There you ae, there you are, Lond Wakasanosale, ood Walasanosuke. Your ely arcval makes me ashamed, 5 themed, sovecy shamed. Iwas rude to youat Hachimen, Shrine, was (WAKaSANOSUAE eles forward as iff dravt) Nowy ow, now, you have every right to be ng. But have Diy on ooish ol same, throw my sword at your feet Fido my hands and apologize. Bannsi, Banna, you tee, bow, 10 apologie to Lord Wakassnosuke. annavon: (Ging) Ftering, and whatis mor, detestable words Tosweet Taken aback completly, Wekasanosuke wonders ‘whathas happened, There ls nothing he can do (erononso bows shen low fo the floor, waKAsANOSUKE camot belleve his ees seeing the proud counellor abasing himself. He ice nana vay, lips hisevord arm inside is vest and strdes ast oxonao. NOHONAS cices to avo hin, erawing om his Fads an knees indecorously. WaxAsancosuxe turns back, spt- fing out his words) waxasanotuie: Contemptiblesamural (Ge ttrides of stage left) 15 wonowao: I ae wrong, wes wrong, Fepologize,] spologize,| (tyes farfiliyon the ground, woxonso continues wat regi fers comi shock, seeing his master bowing and speaking fo noon. Hescurresfrmard an his hands and fnces, He pulls Moxoxs0's ecve, Make stops Tir eyes meet. BANAL nods nthe direction “of enveasanosurns ett MORONAD ses that hes alone and sighs tvth relief Recovering his dignity he sits up) sfowoxao: Banos that stupid young peppy meant, think, te kill me, "A sword in fool's hand makes the wise man cautious” 220 sanaat: (Bowing) Ob yes, my Tord, how true, nannaxox (Chants Jono Mat” (Slow Dance’ drum and ute sie) Who has planned this mischievous fate? (Sings) ‘Baya angen ... Innocent ofthis all, proceeds to Moronac. (Chants) Morena... seeing hie vet! (sindtanconsl, saxivat arranges is master sword and the la fern ond exits stage lft while easton appears on the havemichi tareying in his eft han te ter box given by ease’ retar Noleeyleo no Mat" drum and fate musi continues in the background) onowAo:(Ominouely) Late lat, late! You'e late, Hangant (ian: bows slightly and hurries on stage He keels, bow gan) rascave Thumbly beg your pardon for being feww moments iste, 25 Tome ready fr your instcuctions. First, however, have been sake by my wife to pace tls letterin your hands (tie moves forward om his ees, places theater box on the floor beside nonowao, moves back and bows respectfully) sonora: (eign ignorance) Hmm, hmm. A Letter from dy Xeoyot To me? (Opens the box and removes the eter card) Aly Tunderstand, My poetic sls renovened, No ‘Goublshe wishes me to place the touch of my pen upon ther Beatite words, to correct any blemishes. "eres time Defore the ceremonies, Sitand beat eae. (He reas) “® ‘omar’ love does not ie inthe hopeful eye, ofr be- Foldec: not beholden to lie aver never tie with you.” (tusc stops, wonosao again) “Not behelden to ie aver rover to lie... wth you.” wannaron: (Chanting rapidly) After weighing the words ‘Keoyo has rejected my love and this the proof! This must nce that Hangen has found out my intention (Sings) Anger 40 find homsilation but pretending ignorance. (conosao lacks straightforward, hs face frozen in hurited og, hs right homd lowly closing ino rg fist that crushes hs ascade aierobe, Masking his emotions he turns toward MANGAN. ‘Drums and ue mouse resume) 20 onoxtao: Hangsa, was tis poem shorn to yout Tanase (Bows politely) have ot seen ituntl this moment, your Fxcellney. (Reazsured that BaNOAN fe not party fo KAOO! ins, MOROWAO procesds to deliberately ulate him.) cononAo: that oo? Well thelerd oflitle Hikushu casts 45 hes clever wife She ean dash ofa subtle poem ike this. ‘A woman 50 talented and famous for her Desuty mast be ‘source of greatusbandly pride. Such asuperative “Creature In fact that he fatated husband not beeing to beseperated from her, finds his stcred duties atthe place (xoxoxo casually urns his Bock to manos idly playing with his fen) anason: (Chants) Moronao is fled with spiteful words of Sranaion. Riding on his fustation... any may be bis rey Hagan i perplexed atthe burst of displeasure, Sings) Ghashing anger, he holds it down, holds itint 3% (xanax starts He almost turns fo conf woxoNA, but then uppreies his anger. He pretends to srl, a8 sharing MORONAGS joke, Omtaous drums bets continue i the background) awoaxe Ha, he, ha, ha see my lordship isin playfl mood, He has, pernops, beta deiaking and is feling in good hhamor, Yes, surely my loed has been drinking. Ha, ha, ha, ha onojno: (Dangerously facing astaant) What is that? When 60 thave you seen me drinking? Yeu, who have never offered re a3 much as acup of wine? Whether 1, Moronao, ‘Choose to dzink oF not, nothing keeps me from my dy! ‘The one who's been drinkingis you, Hangan. You've6 » B % as %0 95 100 19 come from a drinking party with your charming wife ‘She pouring for you, end you pouring for hee nt that why outcome to the palace late? (uasoan’sface tightens. sonore notices and turns aay with a ‘malicious lo his eye) Isnt thete a story about «stay-at-home lke you, helpless beyond his front door? seer o recall... ah, yes the "Tadpole inthe Puddle There once was a young tadpole that lived in a tiny puddle, He knew no other place between Iheaven and earth, snd so he thooght is puddle the ‘mort wonderful home inthe world. One day a compassionate person passed by, just like Moronzo, who, taking pty Iifed him from hls stagnant pool ad released hi inthe waters of broad river (Arms out, xonomao deliberately strikes awn’ chest with his heavy fan.) Well the tadpale ‘was out of his depth, dropped cuddeny into the great ‘world from hie allow one. Completely ataloss, willy-nilly the went this way and willy-nilly he went that way, Pointing with far) And in the end he ran headfirst smeckcintoa bridgepoe, (Strikes anc fallin the chest with hs fa) ‘And shivering and quivering, an shivering and quves the lite tadpole expiced (Tiling his fam in lip fingers) “The tadpoles... you! (Looks fll into waNAw’ straining face) Oh? I da believe the young tadpole has lost his tal and is turningino a toad, (raxoAN turns and glares furiously ‘at onomso) Yes, with your eyes bulging out, Hangen, youlook exetl like toed, Ha, hs, hs, hal This Morons0 hos lived many years, bt this i the frst tlme Te seen in the palace a toud wearing clothes. Ob, come here, ome here, Banal, Heogan’s ening into a toad. Hangan 2 toad, a sa-murai toad! (Drum beats stop Silence. MonowAo deliberately strikes nana’ ches, sword hilt, and chest with ‘is fr.) Ha, a, he, ha a sannsron: (Chants) Toad! Devi tall Deron words! (bsoxonao rear back, points contemptuously at waNcoaN with his “ft rotates his head, and poses a mle fo to loud tsake bets ‘Music stops) Haangea can no more tale the vile old mani sianeeast: (Slowly with dangerous, suppresed fury) Do you dare ‘compare Enya Hangan Takasada, cal lord of Hakshu, tos toad You cannot posibly mean the words you have said) Have you gone out of your mind... Councilor Moronaol ‘xan pivots fo face Monon slapping his thigh for emphasis) onomo: (Darky) Watch yourself Mangan! Remember {am ‘councilor ofthe shogun. None calls me insane. You are ludicrous avoave You have been deliberately insulting me? Do you dare tellme that! oxonao: (nshnuating) Indeed you to complain? seaateas (Drawn out) Ifyou dare Monomso: (Leaning i insolent) 11 dare wastoare Hmm! re And ifT dare, who are feassoan’s patience saps Heiser on one ne, is hand on isso 2oRONAO instantly parvies wANGANS sword arm with hisclsed fan) 133 CGHOSIONGURN » THE FORTY-SEVEN SAMURAL onoxso: (Comimadingly) The palace! (wononAD steps ‘maxtoas’s cwrd arm away and he to men all back srononao fenrfill, HANAN furious) The palace! Te pale! 5 IMisthe pslece! Don’t you know the aw Drew your sword {nthe palace and your house will be destroyed! Dorit you Know that! (Drum beats resume, Moxows0 slaps hs fet commanding on the floor Haan, anguished that he mus restrain is re, folds hs arms tity over the its of is ‘swords snd elawly inks Back onto his hawrches. NORONRO notes this ais emboldened to continue is provocation.) Him, since you know then go ahead kill me, Wel. raw ‘ray. draw your eword, Come, ill el Kill me... Hangant 120 (soxowao forces himelf bodily against nanan and leans against waxcan’s words, They pose. Burning with humiliation, Hanan abaces hielfin order to fulfil his ceremonial dues. “le backs away nebo ow) Haxoas:A moment, amement, Lord Moronao,Lbeg your ns indulgence, Without thinking I spoke out of tarn. implore you, instract me in my duties fr the ceremony. Iwill das you say. Huns, I beseech you, your Exeeleney (Muse stops, naxtoan looks up from hs bow MoRONAO smugly turnsanay, avoiding hsgaze.naxcaw’s patience suapsa second time his hand leap for hi sword, Instantly x0R0NA0 reacts) onoxao: Your hand RANGA: My hand? ‘MonoxAo: (With all is authority) Yes, your hand! mawean:Thishend... 130 (Cre hesitates, looks at his trembling hand, then drops his hands to fhe flor and bows n defeat) humbly begs your forgiveness. conoisso: Savoring his victory) So, you apologize do you? Very ‘well very ell. Son instructions in great detail fortodays 138, ceremony s+ nantoast: (Looks up hopefully)... will be given to me? MonowAd: (Vielousl) No, nota you! To Wakasenosoke! (Gran ie stunned, mottnles.Jnsilence conowao casually ses, ears KAOYOS letter cardi #9, aid rows the pieces in HAN At face) Theres no edacating 2 provincial barbarian. Mo (oroxonao deliberately tums hs back and kicks his et and right inaling trouser legs in tasoas's face. taNGax rears back, Chuck- ling, tonosao starts leave) aware Moronaol Wait (stancane step on conor’ raling trouser leg. soNONAO is brought up short. He rugs atthe trouser; tis eld fast) ‘qonowa0: (Dealy calnt) Be careful Yul sll my trousers. Hop. Hop, hop, hep. (sowonao urns o leave, but cannot M5 rove) So, you wart hop away, itl toad? Can there be something ese you want? aneoant What [ante onorao: What you want is... (Geant git slips his sword arm fee of the sti vest. tonoNAo turned thrusts he sneering face toward WANGAN)————__ 150 0 134 un = SHETHEATE snancane (Area) You! uawonn stort sword flashes oof ts heat Momonso’s forehead, Dram anc fate -2OF CLASSICAL PAN tad gashes play furious "Haya Mai” var ance, ona sage and ale parks to lp his mast ef masons laps hs feet ad is aout (0 ‘Puch conao witha second blow when wo who has os seabed decorative sree stge righ rahe utand set sanonn from behind) Hold me nt! My fe there” (siepnovixetne coRDS ron from right Hasens IUEE re bare enced ale fs. in depron fs Fee ier he dsappecring every singe ar lek of teh The sor fll shot. He reaches out Wt oa dpe: his ners cur int fits and hs chest henes Mcsobs of mortfeation, But HONE ad he rtponaduaiy accelreing i lacks the cari a gitar play “Shar” A single clack ‘Concludes the at) ld hi fs SceNE! Fugitive Ta Act TWO, th both hands afer “Tu large drum beats melancholy "Yom Ota" Mountain Pa eon io aceleratng i clacks the curtis ren fils the sag, A ingle Ki clack: the Blue curtain ikea amay by blackrobed STAG8 ASISTANTS [2 fu springtime cee inthe country. Snonenvere Agky-bivec dropsand is reveal clon cveryihere ant’ shoulder oly pushed ope: grag een te backround pink chery Blossoms Hoory ead kantven sand contr, thet faces hidden aarineaw hat. A temple bel tel the distance Koma bend irerom oftage kanes Towers the hat and wee he a ed for tavclings Koon skits raised anda bundle oer “hey mime in slo dance movements fhe pomot yris the story of her disgrace ane ht xrvonoro S16 oh, you whe fie, do you eld veil of ew greent (they look ing ends san not see yon green + the flowers at thar fet, roth left and the ght They sry cach there, en pose gazing ino te cistance. SE a ene ines the backround. Facing uptase, ty pass thir canals and xaocras at ad iis tong wor cancer: (Of "They nur font and kel center rion the ground beside him.) etancholy) Giving myself over i ‘jar master when he needed me, and 10% cng nthe dead of night T know not where Whe f ‘itn tongee have the heat to ive. Say prayers irae ofthis dishonored samurs- Oka thinkof over the farewell xnocean takes hs hort sword ron hs sash the Blade. conan: Nos ‘you were not bes ently she seizes it an won't have you saying thst al nde fe SEO eee RAMEE places love to you 1faled rears fugives| rd is about to draws prevents hin) in.Tam to blame that ide Coed Hangen. leant ive without Yo. sf you die then so mas, But ate than pas Yous Iplewilsny e ded sloeregutly do. Fess He ‘Rearest Kampel ive inlove. forme earner dra the avord oat. She plone eye apace teste alos ef take he shor sword. Se Stes bese ae ron be) savontoto sworn: * Twas then my heart went astray. 19 ee sy yourade move oy spidey Bane 1S aes ber that plete thas Sey tT, ‘pat you mst live, live on!” exon takes pte long sword to Liat. Agi heey Ce edo hat he cannot rat They rican move ch sd pea dele stage for he sword. eng Mime 2 ie they pose th he sword heim er Bane area wang fang far She ake the sword and ‘lors of seach, They keel side-by-side) canons Your tenderness verweims me, Nods wih essation) Merl ee across the mountains to your fathers hms, “oxanan (Sing, relieved) You mace me so haPPY. 20 aap time {know Lean fd a way atone or deer vy master. Comes et Us 6 xan: (Meak) Yes, Kamp aa etna: Nove for eave they pecpate, but Who show ‘confront ther! 2% (eanvar rises and poses facing front) sanwan (Of at the eraf the hanamsicht) Hoy, ey? Here we Bot rowrina cironUs: (Also off Hal ond bess ofthe big dra, Strong acento Per eat er te nanaraich flowed by eight of is men aaa roms. DANA has hs Kanon tucked upto is Kee HE holds ack his lev: is makeup has become a amare shaped eyebrows drooping ees ard tiny Live ara) ran a i neering conus is deze identical i rec dc coverings and re ond white parted Kinane 2 si hikes, Bach care a branch of chery Boston 4 we snasnastopsat the sveshres positon EAA E SEES erro the le ont of harn’s way, and sands cab) sana: (A comic challenge) Hey, hey! Kempe (ue stamps forward with estes, each accented by two one deca his men march on stge, The men, ler for hey ee kal upstage vo rvs nana faces front At raters ok, He speaks ba special rhythm paver relic enh diclogue phrase tito a eight ben eamisen aot dt pace. He acompanies the tle wi com gestures) ‘Your stupid master, Enya Banga Takaseda and my reared nater, Councor Monae, met in the place rare terng catering cbitering catering YOU rae Crtangen ew into asi. Taking e teensy sword, he ‘Guipped othe madea sas, Hes tito, ocd vane dene, boxed uplikectimial- Fa aha a inno atahahabal Hangan hasbeen naledaapl seek youtikea chick! pluck you ikea duck! Yam40 8 50 55 claiming Okarut Well Well Well, well (Accelerating) Well, ‘well wel well, well Kampei Your goose is cooked! Give her. tome! (nana stands on tiptoe, holds his sword hls threatening! fand cocks his head i comic mn to two beats ofthe tuk.) ervonoro since: “Give her tome” yell gical Bena. ‘Kampelbarats out with mocking lang hte seasurat (Laugh, then speaks in rhytme nor phrases) You sre ‘fanny bled, Sagisaka Bannei litle chirging sparrow, ould swallow in a bite Rapidly) Kempe’ ery gaze could fy you toa crisp! But instead of eating you, Twill make you eateroie (cast slls his fists ou of the Breast of hs kimono, allowing the Black outer Kimono to drop. Ax inner Kimono of briliant crimson color is revealed, He stamps aggressively forward, then poses tnth arms outstretched, head cocked ina mie fo two tsuke Bets, ‘Banta tumbles tothe ground tried) sxtvoqoro sixcra; Gating snd with arms outstretched, Kampel stands before him! anwats (Weakly) Help (exonsoro samisen and drums play instrumental musicas the tight members of the suctriNe CHORUS attack KANPEL KANE tases half of them pot his url he stds center i mle posi- Hom. Four men face him fom either sda holding thelr cherry braces asf hey ware sor, They strike at hin right ef righ “He forces them back, They fall vay Tey pose na mie to twe tnuke beats easthn now fire hi opponents a series of group tombats that are executed in delicate, controlled dance patter. hythmse drunne and sarotsen support the action.) avonoro sisorn: Chery, cherry blossoms! A name, ch, 80 ‘beloved, (One man on each ide strikes at kant with the cherry branch "Thre times xantest avoids, then seiing the tips ofthe branches, he whirs them ina circle ad presses thew to thelr nes, He poses in ‘samt. Picking the branches avy, the men are hit on the foreheads they retrent. easst nonchalantly dusts of his hands) No, no, yo cant have hee" and why should that be? (One man on each side seizes wanerar' arms. The struggle right, Tef right, xascen licks then forward onto thelr knees. They ry 2 selec his et, he hacks up, They rush in to encircle him. He avoids, then castlly taps them on the back, They do a cartwheel and fall ‘prostrate on the ground. xancer poses in amie) So tender, fine, 50 fal, never to be won by you! Four men form a square around xavtrst. Two-by-t0 they at- tc, But he pivot o avoid them. She men strike with ther cherry Branches. xarsest drop to his et, deftly Rnocks the wind out cof them with an operand blow, and, witha sweeping estere, Enocks them of their fect. The fall on her botions x unison) Delightful, though she's only tobe seen, How can you ever feel rue love, ifshe won't pay with you! ‘CHOSHINGURA » THE FORTYSEVEN SAMURAL 135, (the rromsuse cxonus retires upstage axa pls anu by the sieeve. Foolish flirting, hs touches hs cheek to er had. Kass! ‘pushes him ave, ond whe BA3sxa esto et past f0 OKAKC, bck his way. sane clipesader kassen’s seve, but i ceught ad held bythe napeof the neck sansa straggls fre, sites at KAM ets hcked fo his hes, and ill ls grasped bythe er, Iifed, and Spun around ssa ear tear a frustration ad uration, ‘Trying once aga, he rales is fist but astra urns aid casually shes bases othe ground, kavere stamps forward av poses a reg mies to teuke beats) anwar (Plaintively) Take himt (Large drum end sake Beats, The onting onions attacks tason: Xana pases them of ight and lf ashe strides rom Stage lf to rights he tras ad pases harmed between them as they strike at hin wt hee cherry branches. One ian, coming from iting strikes at kanes fro bond. xavores hicks hl f0 the ground. places his foot on kis back, and poses ina strong sic fo tivo beats ofthe tsske. Eames hicks the man away and attacks Booming drum accelerate, The rxowrINc cHomus retreats. They ran pllmll down the hanaraich and ou ofsight.xaMit pores in ‘powerful "sone thoscing" mie fo two beats ofthe tsuke. BANSAL soaks up} anna: Kempe ere Leonel Goacvsar raises is sword strike. assess catches his wrist, spins Tim around, forces hint is knees, and vases the sword.) ‘ava: (Bantering) Shall Tet your eas off (Verified, saswat ‘covers sears with ily trebing hands) Shall Tut off your nose (aANAr covers is Hose) Or shall simply ill you? 60 ‘oxanur Killing him would bring more trouble. So, lease, just et ‘him go. avewat: (Foolish, imitating oxanu’s inflections) So, please, just Tethim got (eanesar clasps his trembling hands together in prayer) _xrroworo stxona: Oh, how he prateson, that bird, Segisakel 65 ‘Smoothing his ruled feathers, slowly, then foster, rte with death, and yet olive, away he ies! (eames nods agreement He casually rolls Banat dros the Stage a from OKARU, He pases acing rom, awa rubs his tout, then noticing xanarat is kolding his sword, meekly gestures la request that it be returned. Contemptuodshy, kasoat tosses the ‘word on the ground, nant leaps back In ferror. Gathering his ‘ourege, he snares the sword with his foot, then suddenly turns and faises the sword asifta strike A fierce glance from xaste3i defaes Tine completely. He turns and escapes of right, fing hs leg high inthe arin a “stork alk) anu: He deserved to die. Dut his death would be a crime to ‘ed tomy disloyalty. (Acockerows in the distance. They both look up int the ek. They speak in melancholy, poetic ones) Already tie dawning 7” ‘oxana.,,on the peaks ofthe mountains...B 1136 UNIT» THETHEATER OF CLASSICALJAPAN cancea: «the eastern ight glows Sean and KAM: (in wnisen).» lighting ralling clouds, (thay pose together center stage absorbed in theron melancholy) savoncovo since: They fy arayatdaybreas ike the crows thet cy, ea, ea” So dear to eachother, in lve, love. {aceraca assisean passes to ORARU the ha, bundle, and swords. ‘Duta, ona helps eansret adjust he bun and lide the ist hi sash Tey puto their sandals, A temple bel tls, ‘They move apart, po, then move back-to-back) “Though they must hasten to depart, thee minds ae filled veih ge. Whe would doubt thei loyalty if they proved the pull they feet Away they go. (hy ook int each others eyes Restraining ears Kates pate eee any boring takes OKARU By the hand, and furs to begin ther Tog Journey. aawat sneaks up behind them. He holds fveane By the wast) pawn Okara te ming al mine! (canines moves to block nana, passing oxant fo safety on the ehamncht le pushes axa aay and arts to jt KARO) bayonats Kempe, wait (Cunning back at the seven-three position) Benn, you panna (Posing) Xampel, I vent reaatnee: Hmm? Daxveat Deflated) Nothing, ane: Simpleton! (A loud kl lack: nant collapses tothe ground. Drum booms loualy aviv takes oxano' hands tow they exit wre the Tandanich.Kijomoto samisen plays plaintive chords and lacks Iocelerae asthe eutain begins to clove. vax isn the path fie curtain. Heretreats before ther, realizing itis hopeless cee curtain with both hands and grinrdng happily, brances argos the sage closing the curtaln and disappearing rom sight. single lacks drum and late pla lively “Shag to close the sme) SCENE It Hangan’s Suicide “two ki clack: the curtain slowly opened tothe rachetke sound fon old fasoned cock. The scene lags, formal roam in eretcan maslon. Sliding doors that make wp the ear wall are [punted powder blue aed covered wth slver rests af maw Flan Tatami mating covers the floor axons, dressed in simple mone amd vest so pale a ue-ray that it verges on white, kneels vane He fees vo envoys fo the hog, D0 aed YAKS, ‘Sho vesting stage ef on high stools. They wear dark kimono, ts and truer sie sympathetic manner contrasts sharply Vth canusniyts derisive attitude. coascon a senir retainer of a, knees upstage, Silence. iss rises and faces WANTON, takes frm the breast of his Kimono a large folded lter. He holds Ic reverent thls forehead. tsir00: Hear the shogun's command. (Removing the eter from ite eelope, he reads) "Wheres, Enya Hangen Takassla you have wilfally comamitted an act ofbloodshed against Mc abef councilor, Meronso, end thereby have defiled the palace, now that your estates, lorge and small are 5 hereby eonfiscted and you are ordered to end your life by” seppiia? (os gravely holds the open letter in font of hin, s0 MANGAN tan rad te order with hs ow eyes. Afr glancing ati, BANOAN bons respect) suaweoane (With perfec contra In all espects Taccept the shogun’s command. uannasons (Chants) From the adjoining room, krockingon the 10 ‘door (Ut neranven knocks onthe sliding door He speaks in fin mufled voice, suggesting tars) . arratnsn: (Off) Goemon, Goemen. We, Lord Hangan’sretainers, ‘beg permission to see our master. sesrasntns: (Of quiet tu unison) one ast time. Sonscoxe (Bowing fo naNcan) Mylord yourretainerswishto 15 seo yo. tanonne ell them not until Chief Retainer Yu arsed from our provinee ccosstoxs Facing the door) You heard out lord You may enter ‘ben Yuranosuke serves, not before, nrarwets; (Searcely audible) Abhi. awnaron (Sing) Tele plea, pot granted. ‘single word Inthe room. silence prevails nosuke as 20 no one dares utter (anc rises and rties upstage, where Reels with is back fotheaudience) connton: (Quietly, facing oftage right) Proceed. serarnn: (Paint of) Yes 25 Lum complte silence arrangernts are made for naan’ det bp rita eisembovelment, xexacsens dressed inser ble and gay Kon, vests and spit rouser, fly and wnobirivel) voter Tey place vo tata mats center t iakea sft square laf They covert with a pure white cloth. pris free. eal bamboo holders ave placed a the four corners, Withdowneast sper then rarwens lp quel vay GowsoR Bobs fo HANAN ‘eeating thatthe place of ice eady, wawoan rises, lowly ov front and crsses down tothe lath et. Unconscouly his ‘pon drift then: hes wating forthe aria of hile rains nanosu andes not wat to die bafore passing Jhon sat structions His igh fot touches the cloth, He eme berets obligatory to stp ina th lace of suckle withthe lef fot “Heglances at the envoy tothe have noticed: they are ging ‘trig aad, He delbereely stepson the lth and slowly kneels) annarox: (Chants) Rikiya proceeds with the saddest order. {Sings) The maser’ ulelde blade weighing heavy on his heart (rumawosuxe’ son ntxiva enters from up efi He carries plain Wooden tray bearing the short dagger with which saxon ll Tell Te long sleves of is back Kimono an a delicate frelook20 35 40 4 50 of hair dicate he isa youth no! yet grown to marhood. He places the tray onthe lor before the envoy: for their verification. He bows. 506 end vaxtvtnys Tok athe Blade, then sod to each other tha it satisfactory. 1sam00 nods gravely to xia) annaron: Before Lord Hangan helays the blade (aoniva places the tay on the cath before ANA, Bows low ard then looks wp for instractons, saxon looks ged info nxt’ ‘jes and ith asingl ead mveeent indicates that IEA 10 Teaver oy co youn should ot hee to wis seppaKe.tKr¥a polity shakes is had wall his fother arenes, he st fil his fatherdutes, nanan repeats theorder oleae agen ateaxa Stakes hs eed. Ipressed bythe boy's oyy, wama’ nods that Ine may stay nomen bow rately, rises, backs ea, ad rakes a place beridecounon) annator: (Sings) Teking of in hushed silence, bis outer clothes to expose his death robe... securing the seat of death, (uancan prepares himsalf for death with eam deliberation, He ips off the vst, etn st drop to his wats. He tucks the ends tunder his lege soa hold his body in place after he has died. He drops the outer Kimono to his ais nd tucks it aswell Beneath Ihe ts wearing a pure white Kimono appropriate for death an ind Caton othe envoys thot he was prepared fo di even before they brought she shogu's command. He places his hands firmly ox his thighs and looks intently down the hapamichi_) anoass (Sol bur urgent) Riki snxavas (Bowring) Yes. vnanoass Yaranosuke...? rarava: Varenonie (He looks down the hanamich fora sgn that hie father has arrived ...has not as et arrived, wannaron: (Sings) Proper steps for suicide, he lifts the tray ‘and boss. (Chants) Waiting no longer, the blade in his hand, (Weantcan preperes the dagger. Hef te tay fis foreend respecfily. He cerenonousy takes the dagger i hs right hand ‘and shee of hits paper nhs left. He wraps the paper arownd the blade until only ts tip iebar. He snow able to grasp the Blade low Jforestra leverage He holds the blade at ready on his thigh. The tip ‘points this stomach. Outward cm hisvoice betrays his aniety) asaane Rikiys, Rikiyal nisivA: Bowing) Yes anays: Yuranosuke sins: Yel (RA bose ad ruses to the end ofthe hanamicht “He all to hs knees, lacks othe righ, the lf then straight ‘thea, searching for sight of his father. His ip trembles, es close to tears) Yoranosake..(He rushes back and throws himself om the lor before HaNCAN) has nots yet arrived! axons: (Cally) elt him that regret. -.notsecing him one Tast ime, iaNaN nods that naxtva may etre and pivots lightly toward sunp6) Lord Ishid® Laskthat you witness and report my death, ‘wannaon: (Sings) Here a last the time has come, the bade is almed, Hangen... theusts tin... thrusts it deep! ‘Grawoan places the tay behind hin. e vse slightly om his nes, Tockng one last tae down the hansmichi for YURANOSORE. He ‘CHDSHINGURA « THE FORTY-SEVEN SAMURAL 137 holds the dagger under the ribs om his ft side. With asudden jerk he thrust the blade toi stomach, Involuntary his body drops forvard and hls head falls. Rapid narrative shifis to chanting) [Running ata desperate speed, the awaited person comes! 55 Here a lasts Obosbi Yuranovoke! A frantic gaze at his master. Ishestilalivet” Overcome by the sight, he falls ‘onhis knees! (eunanosuxe bursts onto the hanamichi, running rantialy all decorum cast side, He wears formal gray Kimono, vest, and ‘trousers pulled up for travel. Reaching the sover-three positon, Iesees hs mastor inthe mide of euicie, He reels, falls bac, then slowly sinks 0 his knees) ssb8: (Rising) Ist Oboshi Yuranosuke? vunantosuelts © rsinb6: (Urgently) Approach, approach quickly! (runanosuxe attempts tore, but his logs wil not fet. He weeps unazhaomedly, Togo control of himself, he ecches side the brent ofis Kimono pull sgh he inner loth bindings wats With great effort ie pushes himself up from the floor and moves unsteady to waNan'side, Hefallsto his knees and bows deply) waxnaton: (Chants) The men of Hangen al till nox forbidden... bat no longee! They come rushing int (ton nzrataens enter siflyfrom up right. Tey ae barefooted ‘and carry no swords, The fall other Rnees ina row upstage ‘nd, fllaving venawostreas lead, bow deeply fo their master MANGAN. YORANOGURD' eyes rematn downcast and WANGAX, It ain, doesnot yet look up) ‘uxaNiosox: Oboshi Yoranosuke knees before my lor aneast (Weakly) Yoranosuke? 6 ‘yoranosuxa: Lam here MaNGaws At Test you've come ‘yonawoste: Allthat I could ever ask sto be atyour side in ‘these ast moments nawcare Ab, itmales me content s well (Slowly theirgaces 70 ‘meet) You have heard, have you not... everyting. everything. .? (iti voice tafe of pats. ruraxosoxs edges close, looking meaningfully at Raxcax.) ‘vuraseauxe: Yes ravens (Roc himself) Jam humiated 1 ‘yorawosukas (Inerrupting) No words can express such feings 75 ‘shold, Nothing remeins now but forme to assure yous Just end, awoaw (Meaningful) One thing remains. aReAvOR: (Chants) Gripping tight the blade, cutting straight ‘crossin disembovelment (Sings) Such momente of 0 gory . exhaling hisbresth. (Guana cuts his stomach across from Ifo right, Although the ‘pain isexeruciating and his lip trenable and hs breathing grows labored, wa3toan maintains the tole decorum expected ofa sonnel the Blade reaches its inal point just under the right ‘ibs, Then breath seems to leave hi, His Bod sags. He brace his Tafa on his thigh)ra 95 100 1138 _UNITIN « THE THEATER OF CLASSIAL JAPAN vwawoane (Fant) Yuranosuke. .. Yuranosuke.. come close -rURANOSUKE: Yes, (oxanaan is near death. vonanosuxe slides formard urgent Knowing nanan cannot speak openly because the shogu’on- saynare present, he searches his master’ face for some command) uangoax Toke tis bhde.. to remind you... do nt forget [Reve-n += (PURANOSOKE starts, WaRCGAN mast 0! 5) revengeeut loud Manan catches himself)... remember me (Weakly wawcans looks into eunanosuxe’ fae, then down the hhanamicht voranosvic follows waNGAN’ gaze. Master and retainer Took deeply into ench others yes, URANOSDES wander Thoms that inspite of his acter’ seeming cal acceptance ofthe death sontence tanta passionately desires vengeance ages the enemy outside the mansion, that is s0R0NAO.) ‘voawosus (Passionately) Leen (rusavosuxa slaps his chest for emphasis and bows deeply. Hanon byes that YoRAMOSUKB understands. He is now freetO de. Hesmniles) ‘wawoats Haha, Haha. Ha, oy ha, (the laugh fades. With ebbing strength, manan pulls the Blade {from his stomach. He gasps) annavox: (Chants) Aiming th blade at his throat ..oneslsh ‘across. Breathing bis ast breath, lifeless he cramples (Weckened hands trembling violently lif the blade upward He ths his head, Hs neck is exposed. A quick slash and the jugular tein isu His body rises upward in thre spasms of breath. His Upesslter closed. He als imply forward, ded, Set va1D0 ees A stage asstorawe Whisks hs stool offetage. 5100 places ‘he shogun’ eter on his open far an places them on HANAN body He moves stage right and kneels beside vuxawosuxe) svn (Qulelly) Yuranonuse, Yakushiji now assumes authority ‘over Hanganis esttes, Hangacé cefainers ae hereby denied therank of samural and are disbanded, Till report to the ‘Shogun tht the death of Hangan is accomplished, You have ny deepest sympathy, Yaranosuke. waneazon: (Sings) lohige the envoy expresses sympathy. His ‘std aesignment i over. (jsnud ries facing the line of scares. He raises hisarms ina {eatureofcondolenc. Te RETATERS lookup, then bow respec Jally, Stow smi walks 2 the sever-three potion onthe hhanamichl Ata signal from YURANOSUIC,RUKIYA moves forward fo see hinout isntD@ turns back) tod There is no need. Theres no nee, Nannavon: He pray silently (snap folds his hands and, with downeast eyes walks slowly down the hensmichi and ont of ight) waxnatos: (Chants) Yakushiji olds them in contempt! (vaxusnim rises brusquly. The staan asistaNT fakes aay histool) ‘eaxusn: Now that he's dea, fim master here! Cart the corpse “ary, lle sete, Showrme the way! (le starts ro go, there turns back) Ws aad time, ln it H, a, ha hal (raxusuan strides of lef hove out bya murat, Complete ‘nce vueawosUxe moves attend ta hie master’ body. He Slraghtns the lage and brings kim and vest up over the Fors “Hermoves loser and trie to take the dagger from wanants hand I death anon’ fngrt hol it tightly. 7uRawosoxe fll back steeping. He gently massages his masters hand until the fiers are swarmed, softened, ad the dager slips from thelr rasp. YURANO- Sore places the dagger carefally ino the breast of his Romane, Hie backs aay, Head the naALNARS bow expectant) wannaon: (Sigg plaintvely) Lady Kaoyo enters from another 105 oom Her har so long an blac, ob, so beautiful, now pitiful, iis no more. She wil prayas am, tll her end {caoxo ane four tanuns-inswatsina enter from the lft, walking wnth dosmcast ees. They are dressed in pure white Kimono and Tod Buddhist rosaries. The last rapen-arrivo caries asmall tray on which rests the clth-wrapped remains of kaovo long Hai They kel eft Th cans bow deeply) aovo: (Quietly) Yacanosuke, When I thinkof why my husband i Fuad to die, an thet was the ease | ‘roranosoxe: (Firmly) My lady, please understand ou Theatfle felings. All ou, each retainer offers his deepest condolence. uo (euranosuxe bows toxAov, then nods to GoEMON. OOENON land the nxvatens rise and move it a ciel around their master ‘Silently they fake up the ite cloth the tates mats, tay, and “prigof green. They exit upstage right. WANGAN moves of ehind te eta, Ina nate al sgn ofthe sulelde fs removed.) xaovor Yuranosuke ‘uRaNostxt: Yes, my lady. reaovor offer my lock of ht (the samvane-watrine placer the tay with the hair center tage, ‘unAMOgUKE sees Itand weeps. KAO¥O turns to show her cose cropped head) axaaton: (Prolongeds melancholy singing) Kaoyo islet behind, 115 her grief is 60. .0...0..-Sheyeerns fo go tothe temple. (he rses, asf to fllow her husband but vunanosuce sops her ith a commanding gesture) vuranosuxs: My lady! (Ge falls back weakly A single clack. They move ito a pose: {fonawosuic picks up the tray with ane hand ad forces ier back wth he oes xaovo faces font, ifs the rosary to her eyes, and sobs | ‘en. Ki clack aecelerteas the curtain is sony walked closed)0 5 20 2s SCENE I Outer Gate “wo ki lace gna drum afte to play “Toi no Tako” (Time Drum?) The curtain i pushed quietly open. The scene is ouside the massive outer gate of wANGANS mansion. Noone ison stage, nannaron: (Chanting rapidly) Parewel to Hangan. Now is ‘body lies alone. The young retainers run back from the temple! They no longer ea hold the shame inside! (To loud, accelerating tue bets, nuctva lends aban of rains ‘onto thehanarnich. They urge each other on with shouts of "Kill. them!” "They won't hae our lord’ mansion! "We'lfight them!” Lond Hangar was unjustly ied!” At the same time YURANOSUKE ‘and cosoton come out of sal door i the gts, Goesson rushes, ip fo the naranns with outstretched ars, showting, “Stop opt” ‘voranosoKs roughly pusesaixcra tothe groud) ‘yueANosUKE; (Furious) What, you too, Rikiyat Wht are you ‘thinking of trying fo attack the mansion? We are no longer samara We cannot fight Yekushij’s men, (Drops te ons knee, hand on the hilt of his short sword) TEyou do no stop, Teka. ‘commit seppuk on this very spot! Do you want to be my seconds, al of you? suranvers: No, but master. ‘yoravoste:Chnplacably) Then will you stop when I ell yout pranvens: Yes but. ‘vonartosta Isl achieve nothing to die nov! (the neanwens cannot dizobey Grambling and rebelions, they Degin to fall back) ‘awnaton: (Chants) Debind the gate isheard... Yakushijis roicel -vansnit (OB) Hey, men, there’ sight. Newly hatched ‘ex-cemura milling around Ilke chickens with ther heads cut ‘off Tes enough to make you laugh! vax’ 1x (Off) Ha hb, hal Inst RETADER: Do YOU... RETAINERS! hear thal? (urios they tr to storm the gle, hands onthe ils of thelr swords, YoRawoson springs ino ther path and blocks the way) ‘voranostts Have you forgotten ou late lord? rerasnans:No, but... ‘YoRaitosvRt: Not now Go back, go back! Goback tell yout (ruranosoxe drave himself up commandingly. He runs his hand up the edge of his vest and pote a frfous rie. Two tsuke beats) ssaxnaron: (Sings) "Go back” he command ‘Yorawosuex: (Alnos ina scolding tre now) Back, back, bac, (euRANosuxe waves them away, They fall back gaging then turn a stride off down the hanamchl. xuRaNOSUxB watches them leave. Hes alone, Silence. He sighs with relief. The hand at is breast slides down until it accidentally touches the dagger. He slowly drop to his kee ad takes tout. He wnvraps the covering purple cloth. The Blade tip is red with uvwonx’s bleed) CHOSHINGURA # THE FORTYSEVEN SAMURAL 139 nannaron: (Sings) The sueide blade, red with blood, cries out for cevenge. «cries out fr revengel Borning eas fake his heart, tears, falling.. falling.» falling.. falling (Gexng tthe bad, runasotone' chest heaves Hecoversis ‘pestolide he tears) Hangan’s lst words of vengeance imbedded deepin 30 Yoranosuke. (Chanting) We know indeed the motive of Yaranorake his revenge tobe noted for many age... forty: even loyal men immortalized! (te wipes blood fromthe blade ant his palm and then deliberately brings hs hand upto his mouth, He ck the blood as. oath of vengeance. Music stops. Silence. voRaNostxe begin his long ‘antonio of departure, He carafally wraps the dagger i the purple loth, He holde to his forehead respectful e places it In the breast of his Kono, He rises and stands, He slaps the dust from Fishes, He adjusts his trousers. He folds both hands inside hishimono sleeves. He rests his hands onthe hls of his swords. Hehalfcloces he ees, raprettng deeply that he must abandon his ‘masters mansion. A temple bell lls athe distance, Pensvely, he gins to walk away from the gate. The gate recedes, indicating ‘YuRaosuxc hae covered along distance. He turns back. A crow tess the dstance, He resuntes the painful separation. A crow fnwsa second time. A scond bell ol, He tops, stricken with the {finality of parting. Ther, he moves onto the hanamichi, Once mare Iie turns Back and as fhe has na heart to continue slides to his TeneesA fomplebll tolls, Plait, tentative chords ofthe srnisen begin He ee, begins to alk ava, loks say over his shou! der for one lst glimpse, then resolutely turns and strides dovrn the hanemiehi and out of sight. Music cresendoes and i elacks ‘accelerate; the curtain i ro closed. Drum and flue ploy rapid "Shagir fo end the scone) ACT THREE SCENE Ichirki Brothel ‘Two ki lacks: the curtain ie pushed open to afta singing of "Hana ni Asobaba® If You Ply inthe Powers") The scenes the Ichivki Brothel in the Glon licensed querter ix Kyot, Two pil fons are set ine garde, yng on hissde in the larger room, sige enter, ie YURANOSUKS. He Is elgning sleep, hs face covered with tt halfopen fan, He mears a clegant purple kisone and icth ing eloak, Gurtine are at the back ad a sone water basin i lft “Tiree steps lead dwn into the garden. Paper-covered sliding doors conceal the interior ofthe maler pavilion, stage lf Its several Jet higher off the ground than the center pavilion. annaron: (Shiging briskly) The moantains and the moon, rom the eesten mountain, just afew miles, breathless from running fst the young man... Riya (axrva enters on the hanamnichi. A purple scarf coves his head ‘nd serves asa partial diguise. Hs black kimono is hiked wp a the Sides, to free hi lege for running He stops at a gd gat set on the kanamlehi at the eeven-three position. He looks back tose ifhe ts being observed, then swifly pases through the gate, closing it)