The Bunraku version of "Sendaihagi," currently running at the National Theater, Tokyo, begins when Yoshitsuna, Lord of Sendai, retires from his position and hands his post to his young son Tsurukiyo. He abdicates because he has been plotted against by his uncle Nishikido Gyobu and Kageyu, his chief retainer. The evil Watarai Ginbei is then ordered by Kageyu to poison Tsurukiyo, but his attempt is thwarted by the child's governess, Masaoka.
The scene opens at Yoshitsuna's palace at Kamakurayama as Masaoka, attired in a brilliant red kimono, is waiting on Prince Tsurukiyo, in a hall that is surrounded by sliding doors on which are depicted bamboos -- she is also tending her son, Senmatsu, and is attended by her maids.
Masaoka's ruse is to keep the young prince away from suspicious retainers on the pretext of illness. But Tsurukiyo is dying of hunger, refraining even from touching the food presented to him by Okinoi, the wife of a retainer serving the prince.
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