Benkei at the Bridge

The story of Benkei is one of the great Kabuki dramas of Japan. Benkei is protecting his lord when, at a bridge crossing, they meet bandits. To save his lord's life, Benkei must lie. The lord passes safely. This, however, leaves Benkei disgraced, for he has lied. The critical moment of the drama is its climax, when Benkei realizes his situation. Leaning back on one foot, he vows to do what he must. At the exact moment the curtain closes off the stage, he throws his weight forward and rushes down the gangway out of the auditorium with a cry of anguish. There is a tenth of a second when it all comes together. This is it.