The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1896-04-16
THE JAPANESE STAGE.
Its Leading Light is Ichikawa Dan
jirO, Ninth of the Name.

Ichikawa Danjiro, Japan's most famous
Tbespian, is the ninth actor to bear his
historic name. In 1860 the dawn of the
dramatic evolution, it was first adopted
by talented man whose genius did much
TO raise the stage from crudity and dis
reputa BILE surroundings.
The present Danjiro has rare histrionic
power, and marvellous agility as a dancer.
Possessed OF great versatility, he is equal
ly at home In comedy, tragedy and female
personation. He has an oval face, slight
oblique eyes, sensitive nostrils, mobile
mouth, and clear, sharp enunciation.
Visiting Danjiro in his dressing room
is mere monetary transaction. A czar
ON his throne Is no more OF an autocrat
than this actor In his little Kingdom
back OF the fo0tlights. Four Wallets are
constantly at his side, and the whole
theater staff stand ready to answer his
beck and call Throughout high priced
VISITORS interview he maintains lordly
bearing upon which the most fulSome
fiattery has no effect. Upon several oc-
casions 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
profession Is left behind.
At home DaDjiro Is a good representa-
tive OF the Japanese gentleman. Meeting
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 in
terpreter he talked most entertainingly
OF his art, the history OF the drama, and
the English stage. Concerning Shake
speare he said.
81 am often asked by Europeans why
have not played Shskespesre's plays. Ii Is
for this reason: All that have been ex-
planned to me put women too prominently
in the foreground-m them ell hero
ines--and that would not be accepted on
the japanese stage"
] tolo him of the pecuDiary success that
Bernhardt, Salvini and Coquelin had
made in America, notwithstanding the
fact that but one out OF ten OF their audi
tors understood the language used, and
suggested 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
native land he shook his head and replied
in ail seriousness:
81 have too many poor relatives who
are dependent upon me- For fear 1 would
meet with an accident they would oppose
my going, and 1 must yield TO their
wishes.n
Fame and success are not without their
penalties. Danjiro has nearly fifty re-
tainers OF various kinds, and they, with
their extravagant habits, easily manage
TO dispose of his $50, 900 income.
sDanjiro talked freely of the develop
ment OF the drama in Japan and of the
present conditions OF theatrical affsirs.
In Japan every actors rank and salary
are determined by guild OF his elders.
Merit alone succeeds. Bridge jumping
ana well-advertised divorce records are
not used as claims for recognition.
Each theater has several dependent tea
houses. Through them tickets in the
shape OF wooden billets are purchased
and arrangements for tea aud meals
served during the play are mace. Every
| one smokes. Children romp about the
| house and on the stage before the curtain
| during the intermisioD, and the demeanor
OF the acdience is quite as interesting as
| the play. Charges are made in detail.
| The following Is from a minor theatre in
| Tokoyo:
| Admission(two people). 20 2s
| Box ana mating. .....,..........s... 80
| fire box and cushions. ns............... 20
\ Tea and confectionery. try.............. 10
| rec 10 walters............... 10
| lea house.. ....'.................... bo
| Total.................. 6S
The walls OF the foyer are lined with
piles Of clogs for with the usual japanese
perYersentss checks are given for shoes i'm
stead OF hats. The manager uses them as
a check on his doorkeeper.
railing foot high divides the pit o.
the auditorium into compartments five
feet square. Here whole families squat
on the matted fioor from II n. m. TO 3
p. M, Tor theatergoing In Japan is nc
after-dinner pastime. Formerly theaters
wsre open from dawn until sunset bal
the unreasonable Tokoyo notice board re-
Gently restricted them TO 10 hours a day,
much TO the dissatisfaction Of the popu
lace.
Two raised walks three feet vice, lead.
ing from either side q the stage through
the audhorium 10 the front Of the hous
are used as entrances and xits by the