Original article is here: http://www.asahi.com/showbiz/stage/spotlight/TKY200810060181.html
Go!Go!Takarazuka – 2008-10-06
The Strength of Maturity – Takarazuka Flower Troupe – Sakurano Ayane
Photo Caption: Sakurano, who says of her first Rose of Versailles, "I feel acutely how it’s considered Takarazuka’s treasure."
Sakurano Ayane, Flower Troupe top musumeyaku, is in the middle of the national tour of Densetsu Berusaiyu no Bara: Alain-hen (until the 17th) and is giving a wholehearted performance as Diane, the hero Alain’s younger sister.
It’s her first "BeruBara" and so from the time of rehearsals her heart has been leaping. “It’s not surprising that the atmosphere is different than in the rehearsal hall for a regular performance. In Takarazuka, [this show] has the air of a "Special Treasure". It felt like each and every once of us had a different way of showing our enthusiasm and fighting spirit,” and their voices rang out.
She had always hoped someday to be "in BeruBara". Once the performance was finally decided on, she was overwhelmed with happiness. Moreover, her heart has long been moved by Diane, whose life was cut short. She says that even before rehearsal, she had a steadily growing image in her mind of Ikeda Riyoko’s original work.
However… The play takes place after Diane’s death, and so she appears as a beautiful spirit supporting her older brother. "It’s the first time I’ve done a role like this, and the truth is it was very difficult. As I thought and thought about it, it steadily became more difficult to understand. Yet, it’s a new pattern for a play, and because of that it was a wonderful opportunity to learn," and she seemed filled with pride.
She became the musumeyaku partner of the prior Flower Troupe top star, Haruno Sumire, when she was only ken-5. At that time she brought a guileless innocence to her lead roles. However, she then went on to gain in experience, right up until Haruno retired. She’s since done three shows with the new Flower Troupe top, Matobu Sei, and has grown into full perfection.
"At first my nervousness was overwhelming, and I couldn’t think of anything beyond, ‘What will become of me??’ However, I was convinced that so long as I was beside Haruno-san, everything would be alright. Back then, it was bliss to be frantically trying my hardest. Yet now, I think more along the lines of, “It’s no good to only be beside someone." I’ve begun to think about what it is that I want to do,” and from experience has learned to understand her own growth.
"Before, I really wasn’t seeing what was going on around me. I was frantic just with my own problems. I had many valuable experiences, and because of these, I’m who I am today. I think Diane, whom I’m playing right now, is in the same state." More than just cute. Within her, she’s endowed with strength and dignity.
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