Left: Actor Iwai Kumesaburō 2nd (Hidari, kasane ōgi), Right: Onoe Kikugorō 3rd (Migi, mitsu ōgi) in a Soga Brothers play, from the series Three Fan Comparisons (ōgi awase sanban no uchi) c. 1822 - 1825

Curator: This is Utagawa Kunisada's print featuring actors Iwai Kumesaburō and Onoe Kikugorō in a Soga Brothers play. The actors, depicted mid-performance, seem to embody intense emotion, wouldn’t you agree? Editor: Yes, definitely! The dynamic poses and dramatic expressions create a sense of heightened tension. What do you see in this piece beyond the immediate drama? Curator: I see a commentary on the rigid social structures of the Edo period and how kabuki theater offered a space to subvert those norms. Consider the actors themselves – portraying characters outside their own lived realities, challenging expectations. The use of text also provides a critical lens, offering layers of meaning beyond the visual narrative. Editor: So, the print is more than just a depiction of a play; it's a reflection on societal roles and performance? Curator: Precisely. It invites us to question the boundaries between performance and identity, and how art can become a site for social commentary. Editor: That's fascinating. I initially saw just the drama of the performance, but now I see the underlying social critique. Thanks for sharing that insight.