This edition of Tokyo Shinbun’s column on Takarazuka features Ayaki Hikari, talking about her current performance in Romeo et Juliette. The original column was written by Yamagishi Toshiyuki (estimated name reading) and was published here on March 18, 2021. (Archive link here.)
Blossoming Takarazuka: Becoming a performer who can contribute – Ayaki Hikari (Star Troupe)
Star Troupe’s production Romeo et Juliette (playing until [May] 23, Tokyo Takarazuka Theatre) is a musical adaptation of the incredibly famous Shakespeare play. It was performed for the first time in Japan by the Takarazuka Revue in 2010, and been revived over and over. It’s a story of the pure love between Romeo (Rei Makoto) and Juliette (Maisora Hitomi) after their fateful meeting at a masquerade ball, and Ayaki performs in two roles: Romeo’s loyal friend Benvolio, and Count Paris, a rich man who proposes to Juliette.
Benvolio is a key role in the main cast: “there are so many points where he impacts the story, so even while I’m feeling the pressure I want to keep striving until the closing show.” Count Paris “has only a few appearances, but his pursuit of marriage with Juliet is pivotal to the story. The responsibility I was given [with the role] is huge,” she says as if bracing herself emotionally. She describes the appeal of this great work as she comes to terms with it as a performer: “within this story of steadfast love, I’m recieving my uptimate challenge.”
Ayaki took part in community theatre during elementary school, and her parents told her “you look happiest when you’re on stage, you’re sparkling,” and she started to see the world of theatre as her goal.
This is her eleventh year in the company. Her dynamic dance skills that show off her heigh of 176cm, excellent vocal abilities, and acting skills onstage, make her a popular otokoyaku. “No matter what role, I want to be able to make clear contributions,” she says, vowing further progress.
Three Questions:
If you could only bring one thing to a deserted island, what would it be?
I’d want to bring my pet cat. He’s so spoiled and whimsical. He’s so healing.
When do you think “I’m so happy”?
When I sense how considerate someone is being towards someone else during this situation [due to COVID-19].
If you had a week-long vacation what would you do?
I went their three years ago and had a lot of fun, but I’d like to go to Verona, Italy [where Romeo et Juliette is set] once again.