It was premiered as a Nongyo-Joruri (puppet play) at Takemotoza Theatre in Osaka in 1703. This is the first Sewamono drama written by Chikamatsu Monzaemon. The premier performance was recited by Takemoto Gidayu. A suicide committed by Ohatsu and Tokubei one month prior to the premier was dramatized for the play. Tokubei, an assistant at a soy sauce store, is cheated out of his master’s money by a friend of his named Kuheiji. After suffering, he commits suicide with a prostitute Ohatsu who he has known very well. A scene in which Ohatsu tells Tokubei that she is ready to die is particularly well known. This Sewamono drama enjoyed a great reputation, and many suicide dramas were created afterwards. Although it was revised into Kabuki, the play was seldom performed before the time of the World War II. In 1953, the performance was given based on a new script and new stage direction attracted public attention. Since then, the work has often been performed.
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【近松門左衛門】
【CHIKAMATSUMONZAEMON】
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