No
doubt the play's large cast makes it attractive for such an event. Also, its
over-the-top performance of a heroic, bravura style known as aragoto makes it
impressive to watch. Plus it has a remarkable villain, Takehira, who is an evil lord that everyone loves to hate.
The
play begins with the footmen of Takehira speaking in a flurry. The evil lord
himself then appears on a raised platform. With him is Shinsai, a priest who has
long, pigtail-like whiskers that make him look like a catfish. They celebrate
the fact that Takehira has subjugated the Eastern provinces and will soon hold
absolute power.
Not
content with political and military domination, Takehira lusts after the
beautiful Katsura, who is already engaged to Yoshitsuna, the son of an
important governor. Yoshitsuna tries to report Takehira's foul deeds to the
Emperor, but the evil lord stops him from leaving. Just as everything looks
hopeless, we hear a cry of "Shibaraku" which is loosely translated at "just a
minute" or "wait a moment."
That
cry comes from Kagemasa, a hero of superhuman strength. The villains are struck
with terror, as they hear the cry again and again. The actor playing Kagemasa then enters wearing an oversized costume that includes clogs to make him taller. He also wears a large wig
that adds to his height even more. He has two enormous swords and his face is
painted a distinctive red and white.
Takehira
sends Shinsai to stop the hero, but the cowardly priest is no match for him.
Shinsai tries to get a woman to confront Kagemasa instead. Four samurai reluctantly
come forward to fight, but then turn and run. Kagemasa restores Yoshitsuna's
inheritance and allows him to marry Katsura. When Takehira's henchmen try to
stop him, he cuts off their heads. The play ends with a grand, triumphal exit.
