Heisei Nakamura-za

“This is rock ‘em, sock ‘em theater that keeps the adrenaline pumping.”—The New York Times

Since the 17th century, the Nakamura family has been synonymous with the world of Kabuki, and this season, the Festival presents three members of this revered dynasty. Nakamura Kanzaburo XVIII is joined by his two sons, Kantaro II and Schichinosuke II, and his famed theater troupe for performances that return the Kabuki art form to its original bawdy roots in street theater. Instilling Kabuki’s’ centuries-old heritage with humor and contemporary references, these Kabuki masters display total command of this ancient art form.

The Heisei Nakamura-za’s appearance at the Festival begins spectacularly with a single performance of Renjishi, the legend of a father lion teaching his children about the rigors of survival. This vibrant piece closes with a brilliant dance, featuring extravagant costumes and vivid leonine masks. The company goes on to present ten performances of Nakawa Shimesuke’s Hokaibo, a work showcasing Kanzaburo as the central character, a rascal with the garb of a priest, but the appetites and adventures of a cunning rogue. This will be the company’s first New York visit since its acclaimed, sold-out North American debut at Lincoln Center Festival 2004.