The Actor Sawamura Sojuro I as Furukoori Shinzaemon disguised as Shimada Kanzaemon in the play "Ima wa Mukashi Omokage Soga," performed at the Ichimura Theater in the fifth month, 1737 1737

This striking woodblock print by Torii Kiyomasu II captures the actor Sawamura Sojuro I in a complex guise, performing at the Ichimura Theater in 1737. Here, we see an actor embodying a character who is also in disguise. During the Edo period, the theater was a vibrant, yet closely regulated space for cultural expression. Actors, though popular, were often considered social outsiders, much like other performers. The exaggerated features and dynamic pose are characteristic of the Torii school of art, known for its distinct style used to promote Kabuki actors. Consider how the layers of identity at play reflect societal norms and the fluidity of performance. This print not only documents a specific theatrical event, but also invites us to consider the broader themes of identity, illusion, and social perception in 18th-century Japan.