Background Information
“Dannoura Kabuto Gunki” was first performed as a puppet play in 1732, and adapted to Kabuki the next year. It was formed with five parts, but only the third that is called “Akoya” is performed still now.
Taira-Minamoto War is one of the most famous incidents of Japanese history. It is similar War of the Roses in England. Both of them were clan war. Please think Taira family was York, Minamoto family was Lancaster. Taira and Minamoto families fought each other for long time. The final battle was Dannoura battle in 1185. Almost commanders and warriors of Taira were killed or committed a suicide. Then Taira family had gone to the ruin. Minamoto family started Kamakura Shogunate Government in 1192.
Story
When Dannoura battle ended, Kagekiyo who was a commander of Taira could survive. After Dannoura battle he became an assassin to revenge to Minamoto family. He planned and tried to assassinate Yoritomo who was the first shogun of Kamakura Shogunate Government. Kagekiyo couldn’t kill Yoritomo, but escaped. Yoritomo ordered to discover a hiding place of Kagekiyo and to arrest him.
Shigetada is a judge of the board of inquiry. He summoned Akoya to interrogate of Kagekiyo. Akoya who is a courtesan is a mistress of Kagekiyo. She doesn’t know where Kagekiyo is. Iwanaga who is an assistant of Shigetada threatened to make her answer by force. But Akoya is brave very much. Shigetada stops Iwanaga and he orders to bring three musical instruments, koto, samisen and kokyu.
Shigetada says to Akoya playing them. Akoya has no idea why he said so. But she plays them perfect and beautiful. Shigetada is convinced that Akoya is telling the truth. Nobody with a deceitful mind could possibly create so pure a music like her. Shigetada orders to release her.
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