In October, Kataoka Ainosuke (片岡愛之助) will star in “鯉つかみ,” a Kamigata-associated production, at Tokyo's Kabukiza Theatre. First performed 14 years ago, it is also positioned as a production following the closure of Osaka Shochikuza.
In October, Kataoka Ainosuke (片岡愛之助) will star in “鯉つかみ,” a work associated with Kamigata, at Tokyo's Kabukiza Theatre. It has been performed repeatedly since its world premiere 14 years ago.
Highlights of the production include a fight scene using water between the protagonist and the spirit of a carp. The world premiere was held in 2012 at Eirakukan in Toyooka, Hyogo Prefecture. The circumstances behind the production's realization, including obtaining the mayor's permission to use water, have also been introduced.
His commitment to Kamigata was inherited from his mentor, with strong emphasis placed on the influence of Kataoka Nizaemon XIII (十三代目片岡仁左衛門) and Kataoka Hidetaro (片岡秀太郎), the second son of his adoptive father, Nizaemon XIII. He says he has a home in Sakai, Osaka, and comes to Tokyo as if on a business trip.
In May this year, Osaka Shochikuza, the last major theatre in Dotonbori, Osaka, closed. At the farewell performances, he starred in “義賢最期” and played Wada Hyobei Hidemori in “盛綱陣屋,” which featured his uncle, Nizaemon.
He has indicated his intention to continue working as a Kamigata actor, drawing on the experience he has built in Osaka.