The Actors Nakamura Takesaburo as Shikishi Naishinno and Tsuruya Nanboku as Gengoro in the play "Tategami Teika Kazura," performed at the Ichimura Theater in the eleventh month, 1719 1719

Okumura Toshinobu created this print of the actors Nakamura Takesaburo and Tsuruya Nanboku in 1719. The print immortalizes a moment from their performance in "Tategami Teika Kazura" at the Ichimura Theater. During the Edo period in Japan, Kabuki theatre was a vibrant form of entertainment, often reflecting the socio-political dynamics of the time. This print captures not only the likeness of the actors but also hints at the gender play inherent in Kabuki. Male actors, like Nakamura Takesaburo, often played female roles, blurring the lines of gender identity on stage. This subversion was both a form of entertainment and a commentary on societal norms. The print also offers insight into the relationship between the performers and their audience. Kabuki actors were celebrities, and prints like this allowed fans to connect with them on a more personal level. The emotional intensity conveyed through the actors' expressions and body language invites us to reflect on our own identities, and how performance shapes them.