Maonnagata
【真女方】
【MAONNAGATA】
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Nakamura Utaemon 6th (second from the left), a representative Onnagata after the World War II, in “Sesshu Gappo ga Tsuji”. Kataoka Nizaemon 13th as Gappo, Nakamura Utaemon 6th as Tamategozen, Kamimura Kichiya 5th as Otoku, and Nakamura Shikan 7th as Shuntokumaru. October, 1987 at the National Theatre. （Y_E0100144000006）
It refers to the Onnagata actor who only performs Onnagata roles. There were instances when Onnagata actors may perform Tachiyaku roles from the Edo period, as we know from a commentary called “Ayamegusa” in which Yoshizawa Ayame 1st implied that “an Onnagata actor is advised not to play Tachiyaku roles”. As the time comes closer to today, it became common for actors to perform a wide range of roles whether they are Tachiyaku or Onnagata, and Maonnagata has become an invaluable asset.
