From this article on the TicketPia website: http://t.pia.jp/interview/stage/musicalaida-01.html
Posted sometime in June 2009
The Musical “Aida” ~ From the Takarazuka Play “Song of Kingdoms”~
Aran Kei
Aran Kei grew very popular as the otokoyaku top star of Takarazuka's Star Troupe. When she retired this April she took a step forward on her new path, without break for her fans, announcing her first appearance as an actress in the musical “Aida”. This play is a version of “A Song for Kingdoms”, which was performed by Takarazuka's Star Troupe in 2003 and is based on the opera masterpiece “Aida”. At that time, Aran was the troupe's nibante otokoyaku star, and played the love-stricken heroine Aida. She was the first active Takarasienne to win the Matsuo Foundation's Annual New Face Award. And now, she is facing the role of Aida once again, this time as an actress. We asked Aran about her current state of mind.
----How do you feel now that you've retired from Takarazuka?
It feels a bit likes it's over, but there were a lot of things on my shoulders. I don't have anything left now, all of the heavy responsibilities have been removed, and I feel refreshed.
----What do you think of what's been happening now that you're retired?
I really, truly decided to quit without having thought anything at all about the future and what I wanted to do next... But when I was spoken to about this Aida project, I thought, “I can do it again!” and realized that of course I wanted to continue on stage.
----What do you feel is the appeal that makes you want to do it again?
It's Aida's way of life... I love her conviction. It's not only a fun role to play, I have a lot of sympathy for the role of Aida. Also, I love the theme of the dialogue; I think the show is a masterpiece. It's a work that brings happiness, of course for those of us performing, but also to the people who come to see it. I think something that both the performers and the viewers can enjoy is truly precious.
----You say Aida's “way of life” - what's an example of what you like about it?
There's a scene where she sings that “Fighting will only bring forth more fighting”. Everyone around her is fighting with the belief that it has meaning,and she's the only who thinks differently. So many around her say this, but she has the strength to live by her convictions, even when she's the only one. I really respond to that and I'm a bit jealous.
----How are your feelings different than they were in '03?
Back then, it was my first time playing a female role, and I was truly frantic. How could I avoid looking like a man? And with the challenge of the style of all the lines and songs being different than what I'd done before, it was terrible. As for this time, I haven't thought yet about how I want to play it, but it's sort of feels like “borrowing the chest” (Sumo term for when a younger wrestler practices attacks on a senior), I think I can give the “Aida” role a good body blow once again.
----This show paints an image of war, but....
At that time, it was immediately following the rise of terrorism, and I thought it was very timely, but... Even now, wars are starting all over the world. It's a bit sad that it's such an eternal theme. But I think it's a crucial message for peaceful Japan.
---Please send a message to those who haven't yet seen the show.
Because it has a theme with a message for today's world, it's not a show that will just make you say “It was interesting,” or “It was good”, but one that will leave something in your heart. You'll be glad that you've experienced it.
Note: The original Japanese text used on this site is the property of the Takarazuka Revue and Hankyu Corporation. It is used without permission, with the intent of publicizing the revue to a larger audience.
The translations on this site were done by me. I reserve all applicable copyright on them and DO NOT give permission for them to be redistributed, published, retranslated, used as fansub scripts, etc.