STAGEism was a Kageki feature where 4 siennes answer several different questions about their techniques and goals onstage. This issue featured Tenma Michiru, Matsukaze Akira, Satsuki Aina, and Shirotae Natsu.
STAGEism – February 2017
1. Something you work on doing as a performer
2. The role that has affected you the most
3. Your favorite warmup method
4. The aspect you focus on in stage makeup
5. Your goal as a performer
Tenma Michiru, Flower Troupe
1. While following the guidelines for each show given by the director, I want to leave an impression as ‘Tenma Michiru’.
2. CODE HERO’s Kenneth. Ever since I was in that show, even now, I’ll keep thinking ‘what became of him after all that…?’ (Since his ultimate fate isn’t shown…)
3. I do core training with Yuugiri Rai-san. (Nickname: Beautiful Body Time)
4. It’s the ‘base’. I’m always studying how to do the initial foundation in order to make a round face look long, or, since I’m baby-faced, how to look like a middle-aged guy.
5. I want to make people think ‘That’s so Taso’ or ‘This is truly Tenma Michiru~’ in the best possible way.
Matsukaze Akira, Cosmos Troupe
1. When I’m onstage, I want to convey everything I’m thinking or feeling to the audience, so whatever happens I want to confront it clearly and sincerely, and I value the importance of continuing the legacy of everything that’s come before me.
2. A role that’s really affected me… John Shakespeare, from Shakespeare, I think. I was struck once again by how difficult acting really is, and also I couldn’t really separate myself from the role in the end so I feel like some part of myself was integrated into him. I felt afterwards ‘I must learn more about how character creation!!’
3. It depends how I feel when I wake up each morning! I’ll use a StretchPole1, or an exercise ball, or some days I’ll emphasize strength training… Also, I make sure never to leave the house without soaking in the bath!! That’s my daily routine!!
4. Having a 3-dimentional foundation. I think it’s really important to the total makeup presentation for the contouring to be attractive and natural-looking!
5. I want to be a performer who can have an effect on each and every person in the audience. Also, if just one more person decides they are glad they discovered Takarazuka I will be happy.
Satsuki Aina, Snow Troupe
1. My belief is that a person’s real qualities are reflected onstage, so I endeavor every day to be an excellent woman and human being.
2. It’s so hard to choose one…but actually, Isabella from Don Carlos was my first large role, so I was giving it my all to get over the new barriers in front of me.
3. I do slow stretches of various muscle groups using a StretchPole.
4. I think eye expression is really important, so I’m careful about line width and shading.
5. I want to be able to change the atmosphere within the theatre at will.
Shirotae Natsu, Star Troupe
1. At the root of it I think it’s a matter of ‘living’ onstage, but also having a sence of gratitude and an inner transparency that can take on any aspect – I want to be able to ‘catch’ anything that comes my way.
2. Paulina, from The Seagull. I was really able to experience how that role came to life.
3. It depends on the situation that day, what shape I’m in, or what advice I’ve been given.
4. I do my makeup while trying to have a sense of what it is to breathe life into ‘Shirotae Natsu’.
5. I want to have many facets and be a performer who makes people say ‘wow, she has style!’