Melon thief

The title of a Kyogen piece. Miscellaneous Kyogen, Thief. One night, after the owner of the farm makes a scarecrow in his melon field, a melon thief (shite) arrives. It is dark, so while he rolls around picking the melons that are spread across his body, he suddenly sees a figure and apologizes profusely. Looking more closely, he sees that it is a scarecrow, and in anger, he destroys it and runs away. The next day, the owner of the farm comes on patrol, and is angry, so this time he disguises himself as the scarecrow and waits for the thief. The melon thief returns and begins practicing with the scarecrow the demon's punishment (a dance-like movement that aims to send sinners to hell) that is performed at festivals. When the owner of the farm finds an opportunity, he hits the melon thief with his cane, driving him into a corner. The action of stealing the melons and the demon's punishment are the highlights. The scarecrow's appearance, which uses a false fuki mask and other materials, is unusual.

[Kazutoshi Hayashi]

Source: Shogakukan Encyclopedia Nipponica About Encyclopedia Nipponica Information | Legend

狂言の曲名。雑狂言、盗人物。畑主(はたぬし)がウリ畑に案山子(かかし)をつくった夜、瓜盗人（シテ）がやってくる。暗いので、転がりながら体に敷いたウリをもぎとっているうち、ふと人影が目に入り、平謝りに謝る。よく見るとそれは案山子だったので、怒ってこれを壊し、逃げて行く。翌日見回りにきた畑主は腹をたて、今度は自分が案山子を装って待っている。そこへまたやってきた瓜盗人は、案山子を相手に、祭礼でする鬼の責め（罪人を地獄へ責め落とそうとする舞的な動き）の稽古(けいこ)を始める。畑主はころあいをみて、杖(つえ)で瓜盗人を打ち追い込んでいく。ウリを盗む動作、鬼の責めが見どころ。ウソフキの面などを用いた案山子の姿が奇抜である。

［林　和利］

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