Zagashira

ざがしら 座頭

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歌舞伎

A term for the top actor of a theatre. He was authorized to manage all about backstage and actors (but it also meant he took all responsibility for them). In addition to it, Zagashira was in charge of administration of a theatre together with Zamoto and Tatesakusha. Then only splendid actor who were expert at their performance and virtuous could be it. Mainly the actors who are a member of distinguished families occupied that post. However, the structure of promotion had completely changed in Meiji era and this system got out of shape, so nowadays there can hardly be Zagashira.

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