- Japanese: 坂田藤十郎 (Sakata Toujuurou)
Sakata Tôjûrô is a stage name taken on by a number of Kabuki actors over the course of the history of the form.
The first Sakata Tôjûrô (1646-1709) pioneered the wagoto form of the Kamigata (Kansai) theatre as his counterpart in Edo, Ichikawa Danjûrô I, did the same for the aragoto form. Tôjûrô thus came to hold a place of honor as the de facto top actor in the Kamigata kabuki world, an honor which was inherited by those who later took on the name.
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 Tôjûrô was not held for over 225 years, from the death of Sakata Tôjûrô III in 1774 until the name was taken up, and the lineage restarted, by Nakamura Ganjirô III, who changed his name to Sakata Tôjûrô IV in 2005.
Lineage
- Sakata Tôjûrô I (1646-1709) - Originated the wagoto form; innovator of Genroku kabuki.
- Sakata Tôjûrô II (1711-1724)[1] - Student of Tôjûrô I. Had a very brief career.
- Sakata Tôjûrô III (1739-1774) - Adopted son of Tôjûrô II.
- Sakata Tôjûrô IV (2005-present) - Formerly Nakamura Ganjirô IV. Took on the name in order to revive the lineage, and as part of a greater effort to revive and maintain Kamigata kabuki.
References
- ↑ 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 Tôjûrô.
- The Line of Sakata Tôjûrô at Kabuki21.com.
- Irwin, Greg. "A Talk With the National Treasure Kabuki Actor, Tojuro Sakata: What's in a Name?" Kawaraban. vol 32. Tokyo: Shinnichiya.