The actor Matsumoto Koshiro V as Ishikawa Goemon in the play "Sanmon Gosan no Kiri," performed at the Ichimura Theater in the third month, 1810 1810

Utagawa Toyokuni I created this woodblock print around 1810; it captures the actor Matsumoto Koshiro V embodying Ishikawa Goemon in "Sanmon Gosan no Kiri," a play staged at the Ichimura Theater. Toyokuni, working amidst the cultural dynamism of the Edo period, skillfully navigates the intersections of theater, societal roles, and individual identity. The portrayal of Koshiro as Goemon, a Robin Hood-like figure, taps into the period's complex relationship with authority and social justice, reflecting the tensions between the ruling class and the aspirations of the common people. This representation goes beyond mere portraiture. Toyokuni imbues the character with a sense of defiance. The confident stance and intense gaze captures the emotional and psychological depth of Goemon's character, illustrating a man who stands against injustice. Through "Sanmon Gosan no Kiri," we engage with enduring questions of power, justice, and the human spirit’s capacity to challenge oppression, all channeled through the powerful medium of performance.