The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1896-04-12
THE JAPAN ESE STAGE.
IT'S LEADING MT rs VA
DlNJIRO, NINTH OF THE NAME.

WIN, In His Opinios, hahespenr, ,.i.x.
Are Unsuitable for the Japanese stage
hts Reasons for Not TryIns nm Amer.
teas Theatrical Customs.
Ichikawa Danjiro, Japan's most famous
Thcsplan. Ia the ninth actor 20 benr his HE.
toric name. In 1900, the dawn OF the dramatic
evolution. II was first adopted by n talented
man whose genius did much 70 raise the stovc
from crudlty and disreputable SURROUNDINGS.
The present Daniiro has rare histrionic
power and marvellous agility as n dancer.
Possessed Of great versatility he Is equally Mt
home in comedy. tragedy. and female persona
tIon. lie has an oval face, slightly obliaue
eyes. sensitive %nostrils. a mobile mouth. and n
clear, sharp enunciation.
Visiting Danjiro In his dressing room is a
mere monetary transaction. A car on his
throne Is no more Of an autocrnt than this nc.
tor In his little kingdom back OF the footlIphts.
-Four Wallets are constantly at his side, and the
whole theatre STAFF stand ready to answer his
beck and call. Throughout n high-priced visi.
tors interview he maintains q lordly bearing
upon watch the most fulsome ~fattery has no
effect. Upon several occasions he has shouted
from his dressing rooms to the stage an order
commanding the actors TO lengthen the scene
that he might enjoy another cup Of tea. At
niGht when he leaves the stage door his profes.
eion is lett behind.
80 Nh'N NafIhAN 10 " hOou tNITt Oh
the Japanese gentleman. Meeting him then is
quite n different matter. One he considers a
commercial transaction, the other social, and
demeans himself accordingly. He greeted us
with three profound bows, each time touching
the floor with his forehead. Through an inter.
prefer he talked most entcrtainingly of his art,
the history of the drama. and the English
stage. Concerning Shakespeare he said:
II am often asked by Europeans why I have
~ V1nNtaI 49, :
reason: All that have been explained to me
put women too prominently in the foreground
make them all heroines-and that would not
be accepted on the japanese stage"
told him OF the pecuniary success that Bern
hardt. Salvini. and Coquelin had made in
America, Notwithstanding the fact that but
one out Of ten Of their auditors understood the
language used, and suggested a tour through
the United States. The mention of his name
among the other celebrities seemed to please
him. but to the proposition of leaving his ma
tive land he shook his head and replied in all
seriousness:
II have too many poor relatives who are de.
pendent upon me. For fear I would meet with
an accident they would oppose my going, and l
must yield TO their wishes"
Fame and success are not without their pen
alties. Danjiro has nearly fifty r~etainers of
various kinds, and they. with their extrava-
60 mt habits. easily manage to dispose of his
$50. 900 income.
Danjiro talked freely of the development Of
the drama in Japan and of the present condi-
ton of theatrical affairs. In Japan every
actors rank and salary are determined by a
guild of his elders. Merit alone succeeds.
Bridge jumping and we'll advertised divorce
court records are not used as claims for recog-
milton.
Each theatre has several dependent tea
houses. Through them tickets In the shape of
wooden. billets are purchased, and arrange
are made. Every one smokes. Children romp
about the house and on the stage before the
curtain during the and the de-
meanor of the audience is quite as interesting
as the play. Charges are made in detail. The
following Is from a minor theatre in Tokoyo:
Admission (two peopie) so 90
Box and mating -. so
EHo y hnion .... ................. ~
loa ana confectionery. 10
zee : o 10
Total. es