A Message from Riyoko Ikeda
From The Rose of Versailles: Fersen and Marie Antoinette Star Troupe 2006 Program
It has been more than 31 years since the first performance of The Rose of Versailles by the Takarazuka Revue.
During that time there have been multiple revivals, and the media has gradually come to regard it as one of Takarazukaās signature shows. I have even heard some not so funny stories of people who are under the impression that the Takarazuka Revue performs The Rose of Versailles year round, and after buying a ticket and going to the theater without making any reservations, they find out that the show being performed was something completely different.
For serious Takarazuka fans, this would probably be considered unforgivable.
In those 30 years there have been several national touring productions, but I had not seen any of them until now. This time, when I had heard from people "The pairing of Wataru Kozuki and Yuri Shiraha was absolutely fantastic!" I could not sit sill and rushed over to Sapporo to see final performance. Wataru Kozuki had played AndrƩ in the 2001 production of The Rose of Versailles. When I was first introduced to her, looking up at the tall woman with the bright smile of a mischievous boy, I found myself blurting out "Wow, aren't you a child of the moden era!" making me sound every bit the middle-aged woman. Now this child of the modern era, that mischievous boy, was going to take on the role of Fersen, I could not imagine what sort of Fersen she would be.
But Kozuki said to me "It's very difficult, and I'm really struggling with how I should play this role." I honestly never would have imagined the Fersen she would end up creating. The warm embrace of a mature man that envelops Antoinette, the elegance of a high-ranking nobleman, the passion of a man in love...In the end, I found myself following the production all the way to its performances in Korea, and found myself analyzing the charm of Kozuki's Fersen.
One thing I have come to realize recently is that, among the characters in The Rose of Versailles, I think Fersen may be the most difficult role to play. Despite being the same age as Marie Antoinette and Oscar, he needs come across as a much more mature than either of them.
In terms of age, he is one year younger than Andre, but needs to demonstrate a level of emotional maturity that surpasses even his. Despite being in a position to attend upon Marie Antoinette, he is expected to posses the dignity and intelligence befitting the French royal family themselves.
On top of that, he must also possess the recklessness to risk his life to save the woman he loves. Looking back Yoka Wao also struggled greatly when she played Fersen back in 2001. She ended up giving a magnificent performance, showing great growth as a performer. The role of Fersen is one that even keeps the top stars up at night. It is however, a role that if approached with sincere dedication and real effort, can expand a performers range and repertoire.
Being paired with Yuri Shirahane, a very talented musumeyaku, the likes of which rarely appear, I hope you to take your time and fully appreciate and how brilliantly Kozuki portrays Fersen. As a mature, dignified man. And don't forget to pay close attention to the eye movements and the subtle pauses in gestures.
Iād also like to make a personal request. I hope youāll give a round of applause, not only to your favorite stars but to all the performers on stage who are giving it their all. I believe that applause will surely help nurture even more talented young stars in the future.
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