The Apocalypse in MATSUDA Masataka's Island Plays

Abstract

Some of the recent plays of MATSUDA Masataka are set in islands in the Kyusyu district and deal with the history of “hiding Christians” (kakure kirisitan). They have two themes going simultaneously. The one is the theme of sufferings and relief of the island people and the other the changing time of the island, which falls into three categories: ancient times, the time of hiding Christians and the modern times. The plays show a strong sense of holiness among people and imply that it is one of the causes of the discriminating attitude of our society. Matsuda seems to say that it is evermore difficult to resist the structure of this island life.