Kabuki Actor Ebizo Vows To Live Up To The Name Of Danjuro
Kabuki Actor Ichikawa Ebizo says he will work hard to live up to the prestigious centuries' old stage name of Ichikawa Danjuro he will assume in November.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Ebizo announced the plays he will perform at the Kabukiza Theatre in November and December to mark his name succession.
The classic "Kanjincho" is among them. It is one of the most popular kabuki plays.
Ebizo was set to become the 13th Ichikawa Danjuro in a performance in May 2020. But the show was postponed due to the spread of the coronavirus.
The stage name has been handed down through generations since the Edo Period in the 17th century. Ebizo's late father was the 12th Ichikawa Danjuro.
Referring to the more than two-year delay, Ebizo said he appreciated having the extra time to prepare. He said he wants the performance where he takes on his new name to be a light amid the continuing pandemic.
Ebizo's 9-year-old son Horikoshi Kangen joined him at the news conference.
Kangen will assume the name of Ichikawa Shinnosuke the 8th at the same time as his father becomes Danjuro.
Kangen said he's grateful that he can take on the name and he looks forward to performing. He is set to be the youngest Kabuki actor to play the lead role of Kumedera Danjo in "Kenuki," another kabuki classic.