Chikamatsu Monzaemon
1653 - 1725
Bunraku
• Bunraku is a form of Japanese puppet
theater.
– Appeared in early 17th century
– Popular audience
• This is a key distinction between Bunraku and
Noh drama (an earlier form dating from
medieval Japan with an audience
predominantly samurai and upper class).
Bunraku on stage
• A Bunraku performance consists
of three elements
1. Puppets
2. The chanter (Tayu)
•
Typically, a single Tayu will perform
the voices of all characters and
provide the narration.
3. Music
•
Usually provided by a shamisen, a
three-stringed instrument that looks
a little like a banjo with smaller drum.
Bunraku Puppets
• Originally, Bunraku puppets were large
(probably at least 2.5 feet tall, often more),
but fairly simple.
• By the early 18th century, they had evolved
into larger (4+ ft.) extraordinarily complex
pieces of equipment.
– Often, three puppeteers were required for a
single puppet: One for the head and right hand,
one for the left hand, & one for the feet.
Sample Bunraku Performance
• http://faculty.unlv.edu/kirschen/handouts/bunrakuclip.html
Chikamatsu Monzaemon
• Depicted lives of townspeople: middle-class,
merchants, and often lower classes.
• Also extremely interested in Samurai society.
• Many of his plays, including the The Love
Suicides at Amijima, revolve around conflicting
social values.
Other Important Concepts
• Bushido – Samurai code of honor and behavior
– Loyalty, honesty, courage, respect, honor, and others
– If a Samurai failed to adhere to established values and
could not correct his error, the honorable response
was death by ritual suicide (seppuku).
• Giri – Code of social conduct and behavior
– Characterized by duties and obligations to one’s
family, particularly parents and elders.
– Often requires reciprocation of favors and/or gifts (not
necessarily material gifts).