- Sakata Tōjūrō
nihongo|Sakata Tōjūrō|坂田藤十郎 is a stage name taken on by a number of
Kabuki actors over the course of the history of the form.The first Sakata Tōjūrō (1646-1709) pioneered the "
wagoto " form of theKamigata (Kansai ) theatre as his counterpart inEdo ,Ichikawa Danjūrō I , did the same for the "aragoto " form. Tōjūrō thus came to hold a place of honor as the "de facto" top actor in the Kamigata kabuki world, an honor which was inherited by those who later took on the name.Unlike most other kabuki lineages which can be traced back in a more or less unbroken line, whether by blood or by adoption, the name of Sakata Tōjūrō was not held for over 225 years, from the death of
Sakata Tōjūrō III in 1774 until the name was taken up, and the lineage restarted, by Nakamura Ganjirô III, who changed his name toSakata Tōjūrō IV in 2005.Lineage
*
Sakata Tōjūrō I (1646-1709) - Originated the "wagoto" form; innovator ofGenroku kabuki.
*Sakata Tōjūrō II (1711-1724) [Note: With the exception of the first in the lineage, the dates given here do not represent the birth/death dates of the actor; rather, they indicate the period during which the actor held the name Tōjūrō.] - Student of Tōjūrō I. Had a very brief career.
*Sakata Tōjūrō III (1739-1774) - Adopted son of Tōjūrō II.
*Sakata Tōjūrō IV (2005-present) - FormerlyNakamura Ganjirō IV. Took on the name in order to revive the lineage, and as part of a greater effort to revive and maintain Kamigata kabuki.References
* [http://kabuki21.com/tojuro.php The Line of Sakata Tōjūrō at Kabuki21.com] .
*Irwin, Greg. "A Talk With the National Treasure Kabuki Actor, Tojuro Sakata: What's in a Name?" "Kawaraban ". vol 32. Tokyo: Shinnichiya.
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