Nenshi Takasago Utai Kotohogi Matsu no Midori Tagasode Nimai Mushi Waku Shita

Inspired by Chikamatsu Monzaemon's "Dare ga Sode" and "Kamikata no Utai Hajime" (1698)

Historical Background and Worldview
Era: Genroku to Hoei eras (early 1700s). Townspeople culture flourished, and the performing arts (Noh, Joruri, and Shamisen) held a high status.
Location: Kyoto. From the provinces, "kamikata" refers to traveling to Kyoto or Osaka.
On the second day of the New Year, this solemn ceremony marks the first utai performance of the year. Failure is unacceptable in front of the master and patron, and the performance's reputation determines the fate of the year and even one's career.

A young entertainer (or his wife) from the provinces. Though talented, she is scorned by Kyoto's performers as a "country bumpkin."

Early spring in Kyoto. The protagonist is about to perform in the once-in-a-lifetime "utai hajime" performance.
However, behind the scenes, rivals are engaging in insidious harassment, such as hiding shoes, ripping costumes, and poisoning water. On the surface, they greet each other with smiles and "congratulations," but behind fans they are uttering curses, saying things like "Fail" and "I hope your throat gets destroyed." Amidst the extreme tension and malice of those around them, the protagonist's mind becomes disoriented, and the "Takasago" chant, which should be a congratulatory speech, begins to sound like a curse...

Excerpts from the actual script

"My sandals are gone..."

"My tabi socks are gone..."

"Who hid them..."

"Barefoot..."

"The floor is cold..."

"Like ice..."

"Mean..."

"That girl is laughing..."
"My gala dress..."

"It's torn..."

"Ripping..."

"Traces of scissors..."

"Red on the thong..." lining...)

"Like blood..."

"Rags..."

"Can't wear it..."

"It's awful..."

"Cruel / Tragic..."
"Water... please..."

"Throat is... dry..."

"Strange... taste..."

"Bitter..."

"Numb..."

"Voice... won't come out..."

"There's a needle... inside..."

"Don't drink..."
drink...)