Program

Kabuki-Inspired Traditional Theatre

The Thunder-Roaring God and Renjishi is a newly reimagined kabuki work that blends two of Japan’s most iconic traditional plays — Narukami and Renjishi. Based on Narukami, one of the celebrated “Kabuki Jūhachiban” (Eighteen Great Kabuki Plays) from the Ichikawa Danjūrō family, this production fuses its dramatic symbolism with the dynamic ritualism of Renjishi, creating a bold theatrical experience that bridges the classical and the contemporary.
Rich in mythological storytelling, emotional depth, and visually striking symbolism, the work explores universal human themes such as love, betrayal, rage, and reconciliation. By combining the aesthetic legacy of classical kabuki with imaginative modern interpretation, this non-verbal stage work transcends language and resonates with audiences around the world.

The sun goddess Amaterasu (Kyojiro), in an effort to restrain her unruly brother Susanoo (Iemon), sends the wise goddess Niutsuhime (Akane) to intervene. Disguised as the monk Narukami, Susanoo imprisons the dragon god within a waterfall’s whirlpool, halting the rain and bringing suffering to the world. To restore balance, Niutsuhime transforms into a beautiful woman and seduces Narukami. While he sleeps, she frees the dragon, returning rain to the earth.
Realizing he has been deceived, Narukami transforms back into his furious true form, Susanoo, and pursues Niutsuhime in a storm of rage. To stop him, a giant serpent is summoned and ultimately swallows him whole. Later, Susanoo’s son, Ōkuninushi (Takahiko), appears as a young lion cub, facing trials alongside his friend Sukunahiko (Riku). Together, they bravely defeat the serpent, only to discover Susanoo alive within its body. Father and son are reunited, their bond renewed. In the final scene, Amaterasu blesses the world with light and harmony. All the gods return to the stage in unity, bringing the story to a powerful close.