Topknot Bunshichi - a story of human relations

by Enokido Kenji

Act 1, Scene I

Hard drinking Chobei (Joh Stratton) returns home to find his wife O-kane (Steven Joyce) upset and alone. Their daughter O-hisa (Melissa Matters), has gone missing and both parents are clueless as to her whereabouts. Tempers flare on both sides. O-kane’s bottled up frustration with her pathetic and insensitive husband is released when she harangues Chobei for his many flaws; including his failure to be a good father.

Unexpectedly, Tousuke, a smooth talking messager from ‘The Pleasure Palace’ arrives and urges Chobei to return with him. Chobei insists on wearing his wife’s kimono (While wearing no pants is the norm for tradesmen like Chobei, when visiting the upper classes, he is desperate enough to try a little cross dressing). Chobei hurries the messenger out of the room for his wifes seductive striptese, gleefully performed to the Full Monty soundtrack. Chobei leaves his scantily clad housewife shivering alone. .

Act 2, Scene 2

O-koma (Kate Ridge), the decadent but kind hearted Madamof ‘The Pleasure Palace’ watches over her maiko,young apprentice courtesan with a maternal eye. Suddenly, music fills the air and, as the young maiko sings in a spotlight, five of the O-koma's girls come dancing through the audience, intent to Spice up YOUR life.They demurely take their places on the stage and before long, Tousuke returns with the requested goods: an anxious and confused Chobei who does not yet understand the connection between his runaway daughter and his employment ties with Okoma. Knowing that he has not completed the construction work at the Madam’s holiday villa, Chobei apologises profusely.

However, he is pleasently surprised. First, to learn that his daughter intended to work at the brothel in order to repay all family debts and effectively revive her parent’s marred relationship. And second, to hear O-koma’s generous deal to loan 50 ryo ($50,000) so that his debts may be repaid, in return for Ohisa’s assistance at ‘The Pleasure Palace’. O-koma’s high regard for Ohisa’s pious nature is starkly contrasted with her warnings to Chobei to reform his ways and stop his ‘pleasure loving lifestyle’.

Act 2, Scene 1

Chobei encounters a young man about to commit suicide by throwing himself into a river. Having being rescued, the young man introduces himself as Bunshichi (Liz Bicheskis), an apprentice in a local store. Bunshichi has lost 50 ryo ($50 000); coincidentally the same amount that Chobei received from O-koma at ‘The Pleasure Palace’. He is afraid of losing face if he admits this to his master, and is certain that suicide is the only honourable alternative.

Chobei tries to convince Bunshichi that surely his life must be worth more than any amount of money. However, Bunshichi is not easily persuaded and remains in low spirits despite confiding his true feelings to Chobei.

Finding himself faced with a moral dilemma, Chobei decides to give the money loaned from ‘The Pleasure Palace’ to Bunshichi so that this young man might live. With this gesture he warns Bunshichi not to die, and returns, penniless once more, to face his wife.

Act 2 Scene 2

Jimpachi(Taryn Gollasch), the regularly intervening landlord attempts to mediate in the tense quarrel between Chobei and O-kane. Neither partner can see eye to eye over the genuine whereabouts of the 50 ryo loan. O-kane is certain that her husband has once again spent it frivolously. She is outraged that he has created such a ludicrous story to cover his immoral behaviour. Chobei reiterates his position that the events did occur as he had recounted them and that it was justified for him to save the suicidal Bunshichi.

The timely arrival of Bunshichi and his master, Seibei (Tali Kreiger), provides the necessary proof, much to Chobei’s delight. By a stroke of luck, it is revealed that Bunshichi actually forgot to take the 50 ryo with him from the place it was to be collected. Chobei’s compassion in saving this young man is generously rewarded by Seibei, who not only reimburses the 50 ryo, but arranges for the return of O-hisa (through the business links of Ihei: Chobei’s superior) and the unpredictable marriage between Bunshichi and O-hisa.

-stay tuned for more images as they arrive-

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