Shunkan (play)

The play takes place in the aftermath of the Shishigatani Incident, several years before the final defeat of the Taira and the ascendancy of the Minamoto clan in the Genpei War of 1180-1185.

It focuses upon the fate of a trio exiled to "Devil's Island" (Kikaigashima, 鬼界島), off the coast of Satsuma province, as punishment for a plot against the ruling Taira clan.

[1] When the imperial consort, pregnant with Antoku, the future emperor, falls ill, seers advise Taira no Kiyomori, the de facto head of government, to placate the spirits by pardoning and compensating some of his victims.

[2] The play begins with the dispatch of an envoy to the island, where Naritsune and Yasuyori (but not the Zen Buddhist Shunkan) are ceremoniously worshipping their replica of the Kumano shrine, while the Chorus laments the “endless days of banishment”.

[4] The play reaches its emotional climax when he clutches the rope behind the departing boat, in vain;[5] and he is left alone, with only the voices of his former companions assuring him that they will work for his recall as well.