Forging His Own Path: Kabuki Actor Nakamura Kyōzō

(© Yokozeki Kazuhiro)

Kyōzō in his self-production of the drama Taki no shiraito (The Waterfall’s White Threads). (© Taguchi Masami)

Kyōzō in the role of the tragic heroine Phèdre. (© Taguchi Masami)

Sagimusume, the egret maiden, who has fallen madly in love, and the lion in Shakkyō, wildly swinging its mane. Audiences are surprised to learn that the two roles are played by the same person. (Courtesy Nakamura Kyōzō)

(© Yokozeki Kazuhiro)

Kyōzō has published a collection of essays recalling memories of his mentor Nakamura Jakuemon IV, explaining the kabuki tradition he has maintained throughout his career, and describing the new works he has developed. (© Yokozeki Kazuhiro)

Taking a curtain call after a performance in Mexico. (Courtesy Nakamura Kyōzō)