We explore in this course two worlds—the world in which Japanese feudal warriors, the samurai, lived and acted out vendettas, and the afterworld in which history and legend combined as the events of those vendettas were adapted in the three dramatic traditions of noh, kabuki, and bunraku puppet theater. The course considers in depth the twelfth-century Soga vendetta and the early eighteenth-century incident involving the 47 rōnin, or master-less samurai, and introduces the main theatrical forms of medieval and early modern Japan, combining the benefits of a seminar and a survey course. We also look at woodblock prints as complements to kabuki theater and actors. We may add screenings if there is interest.
Enrollment limited to first-year students.