The Kabukiza in Ginza celebrates the arrival of spring with two excellent programs this month, including a striking dance number titled "Dattan" inspired by the fiery Buddhist rite of the same name held every March at Todaiji Temple in Nara.

Even more likely to ignite enthusiasm, however, is the trio of fine actors in key roles this month: Onoe Kikugoro, Matsumoto Koshiro and Kataoka Nizaemon. These three, each with distinctive acting styles, are all at the peak of their powers -- and this month sees them testing their skills.

Onoe Kikugoro, 61, who ordinarily plays tachiyaku (male lead) roles, performs as an onnagata (female-role actor) in the afternoon program. Here he portrays the imposing governess Masaoka in three acts from "Sendaihagi (Bush Clovers in Sendai)," a historical kabuki play written in 1777 depicting troubles in the household of a rural daimyo. Kikugoro gives an impressive performance as Masaoka, who sacrifices her own son, Senmatsu, to protect her overlord's heir after she discovers a plot against his life by the evil regent Nikki Danjo (Matsumoto Koshiro). When he tackled this demanding part for the first time in 1985, Kikugoro was fortunate enough to receive coaching from the late Nakamura Utaemon, who was famed for his acting of such roles.