Staid World of Kabuki Gets Black Eye in Bar Brawl
While suspended indefinitly,Ichikawa claims he is 'the victim' of the bar brawl.
TOKYO Dec. 7, 2010— -- Kabuki is a centuries old and highly stylized form of theater in Japan so bound and protected by its traditions that only men are allowed to perform it.
The tradition bound world of kabuki got a jolt recently when the "prince" of kabuki skipped a peformance, got roaring drunk and was the loser in a bar brawl.
Ebizo Ichikawa, 33, bowed deeply and asked for forgiveness today in a nationally televised news conference.
"I'm very sorry for causing tremendous trouble and concerns. I deeply regret what I did," Ichikawa said.
The news conference was Ichikawa's first public appearance since he sustained facial injuries following an incident at a bar in a ritzy Tokyo neighborhood two weeks ago.
Ichikawa said he had been drinking heavily the night of the incident, after skipping a scheduled media event earlier in the day citing health reasons. But he denied reports he incited violence and maintained today that he was "a complete victim."
"I thought I was going to die when the man was assaulting me," Ichikawa said.
The actor did not show any visible scars to his face, though his left eye appeared bloodshot.
Ichikawa's incident has created a media frenzy, in part because the actor comes from one of the most revered kabuki families. His father, 64-year-old Danjuro Ichikawa is considered one of the most esteemed kabuki actors.
Kabuki is classic theater that dates back to the 1600s and involves all male actors. It is highly stylized and famous for combining dance and music with elaborate makeup worn by performers.
Ebizo Ichikawa has been considered the future star of this centuries-old craft. His appearances on Japanese variety shows and his work outside of the theater have helped revive interest in Kabuki. But local media speculate that the bar incident could seriously hurt his career.
It may also seriously hurt his finances.
Major kabuki theater operator Shochiku Co. suspended the actor indefinitely from future performances, after it cancelled a New Year's program that was supposed to feature Ichikawa. At least three major sponsors have pulled TV commercials featuring the actor.
