Time & Place
Tokyo: Nov.4 - 14 ZENROSAI HALL/SPACE ZERO
Osaka: Nov.19 - 21 ABC HALL
Ticket
Weekday \4800
Sat & Sun \5800
Student & Silver(over 60) \4000
Information
Hanagumi-Shibai: 03-3709-9430
office@hanagumi.ne.jp
SYNOPSIS
ACT 1
SCENE 1《TSUGAWAYA=Geisha house》
Masako, who has had her first period, is depressed. Tsutayo is washing the soiled underwear. They are friends who work for the same geisha house, TSUGAWAYA. There are several “shibazakura” (a type of cherry blossom) and dying goldfish which are wrapped in old newspapers at her feet. Tsutayo plans to bury them in the geisha house's garden.
SCENE 2《HANAMURA=Japanese restaurant》
Masako and Tsutayo are called into the room of the rich Eto who has decided to become Masako's patron. Both KABUKI players; Sanen and Senshichi are also there. Sanen is the son of Senshichi’s master, but he has less fame then Senshichi. Eto who starts on a journey to Europe on business gives Masako a ruby ring as an engagement ring. Masako and Tsutayo perform a dance in front of the guests. As Masako loses her balance, likely because of the tension, Senshichi gives her his hand for support, and the surrounding adults have an unpleasant premonition that something bad is going to happen.
SCENE 3《TSUGAWAYA》
Ayahachi, the master of TSUGAWAYA chastises Tsutayo because she has sold her virginity, which should be the main selling point of a geisha, to an unfamiliar guest. Ayahachi is upset because this is something that cannot be undone, but, Tsutayo doesn’t seem overly troubled by the chastisement. Moreover, the ardent love report of Masako and Senshichi is recorded in a newspaper article at the same time, and Ayahachi is at the end of her rope. The answer, 'I just wanted to send money to my Mother in the country' comes back when Masako asks Tsutayo the reason for selling herself. Masako, who doesn't know her parents, is touched by the filial piety of Tsutayo. But Masako was so shocked hearing the story that she buried the dead goldfish under the “shibazakura.”
SCENE 4《HANAMURA》
The day when Masako is formally fallen into Eto’s hand. Masako cries and confesses to actually loving Senshichi. She refuses him though Eto presents a European diamond as a souvenir to comfort her. Masako says that the diamond is smaller than Mrs. Eto’s ring.
SCENE 5《YOSHIDA=rendezvous hotel》
Tsutayo comes to the hotel where Senshichi waits for Masako. Tsutayo tells him that Masako is working so hard for him. Senshichi denies the rumor of him marrying his master’s daughter and says that his dream is to become independent, and marry Masako.
SCENE 6《YOSHIDA》