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Translation: Ouhi no Yakata/Château de la Reine

Hello. Thank you for reading my translation for Ouhi no Yakata/ Château de la Reine.

As this is (somehow miraculously?) before Tokyo run, hopefully this can help people who want to see it in Tokyo understand a bit more. Or help those waiting for the DVD to prepare to watch it when it releases.

This work comes with a few necessary notes beforehand. Please read them.

1. This is a fan-created translation. Please be aware that my understanding of Japanese is not extremely high-level, and there may be some errors. I did my best. If you find something you believe is incorrect, please feel free to message me and I will make an effort to correct it. (The only reason it even got this far was thanks to my savior and editor Carol.)

2. That being said, as this is a play with conversation, etc. I attempted to make this translation flow with natural and colloquial English/conversation tendencies rather than a word-by-word exact representation- while still keeping as much of the intended meaning(s) as possible.

3. If you wish to use this translation to make subtitles for your private/personal use, please let me know via a message/ask. I ask that you do not share subtitle files created from my translations without my consent at all.

4. Please do not take, repost, or recreate this translation on Tumblr or other websites without contacting me first.

5. This is a really specific translation note. There is a character in this play (Crayon) whos self-identification is not made clear. (To my knowledge, it is not made clear in the original novels either.) The only thing really clear is that… Crayon is somewhere on the queer scale.

Crayon is referred to many times in Japanese with the word “okama”. Strictly speaking, “okama” is a slur for gay people (generally targeting gay men or crossdressers, but has [incorrectly] been used recently for trans-people as well). It is often used in Japanese humor because ?? (enter reasons I neither know nor truly understand). (However, it is also sometimes used as a “reclaimed” term. It all depends on situation and intention and interpretation.)

There are jokes in particular in this show that revolve around referring to this character as an ‘okama’. As a translator, it really isn’t my job to write a whole thing about what I think about this or why. I’m really only responsible for providing the material in a language that people can understand.

Therefore, because I didn’t want to end up editing the material to my personal ideas/tastes, and because I didn’t feel comfortable directly translating the word ‘okama’ into any English slang, I left those lines translated into English but still using the Japanese word ‘okama’ in them.

6. There is a lot of French in this show. I do not speak French. But a coworker who does speak French decided to inform me that the French they were seeing was incorrect. I have no comment on this, as I (again) do not speak French.

7. A specific note on the theme of ‘smile’ and ‘laugh’ in this show. The script simply uses the word “warau” which can be a bit interchangeable for those words. There were times where “smile” made more sense, and times where “laugh” made more sense. In the end, I decided to use both words, and at some points even used them together to get the meaning/point across.

Without further ado. Here is the actual translation:

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Château de la Reine

Main Cast:

Asaka Manato                   Kitashirakawa Ukyo              A romance novelist writing a new novel starring Louis XIV

Misaki Rion                        Sakurai Reiko                     Female president of a small-time travel agency. Tour conductor responsible for the “Light” tour.

Makaze Suzuho                Louis XIV                              King of France during the 17th Century. Former owner of the Château de la Reine.

Aizuki Hikaru                     Kanezawa Shichi               Real estate king.

Itsuki Chihiro                     Iwanami                               Former teacher at an ‘evening’ high school. (TN: There are some special schools with classes in the evening for people who work during the day.)

Kotobuki Tsukasa            Shimoda Koji                      Manager of an electrical parts factory.

Mikaze Maira                    Shimoda Fusako               Shimoda’s wife.

Sumiki Sayato                    Kondo Makoto                  Policeman.

Sorahane Riku                   Crayon                                  [Kuroiwa Gentaro] Scorned by a previous lover, on a ‘heartbreak trip’

Sakuragi Minato               Togawa Mitsuo                 A tour conductor at a small time travel agency, subordinate of Sakurai. Responsible for the “Shadow” tour.

Reimi Urara                        Diana                                     She once lived in the Château de la Reine. The woman Louis XIV loved.

Hoshikaze Madoka         Michiru                                 Former hostess, and Kanezawa’s lover.

ETC Cast:

Iwanami Masae                                Kanon Mai

Mr. Tanno                                           Rinjou Kira

Mrs. Tanno                                         Ayaka Mari

Munon                                                 Matsukaze

Hayami Ritsuko (Editor)                Junya Chitose

Pierre                                                   Kazuki Sora

Monsieur Duran                               Mitsuki Haruka

Can-Can Singer                                 Fuuma Kakeru

Accordion Singer                             Hoshibuki

Anne d’Autriche                               Seoto Risa

Marie Thérèse                                  Aishiro Moa

 Preface: Charles de Gaulle Airport (Arrival Lobby)

[Airport Background]

As announcements flow through the arrival lobby of the Charles de Gaulle Airport, the tour conductor Mr. Togawa, working for a down-on-its-luck travel agency known as “Pan World Tour Enterprise”, is eating at a bar with the irritated tour customers. Togawa is on the phone with his boss, Sakurai Reiko.

Togawa: (On the phone) Ms. Reiko, is this really going to work?? This plan…

Sakurai: (A voice over the speakers) Are you asking if it’s a ‘good’ thing? In this world, there is both ‘light’ and ‘shadow’…  so isn’t it fair to say there’s a ‘front’ and ‘back’ side to business, too?

Togawa: You just keep saying that over and over!

Sakurai: (voice) Anyway, you have to keep the customers at the airport for another 30 minutes. You got it?

Mr. Tanno: Mr. Togawa, exactly when are we going to be able to leave the airport?

Togawa hides his cellphone.

Togawa: M… Mr. Tanno… I am terribly sorry, our car… seems to be stuck in a terrible traffic jam…

Mr. Iwanami: Even so, we’ve already been waiting here an hour.

Togawa: I am truly sorry Mr. Iwanami!!

Ms. Iwanami: Dear, can’t you see Mr. Togawa is very troubled by the situation?

As the Iwanamis talk, Togawa returns to his phone.

Togawa: (on the phone) Ms. Reiko, did you hear that? How am I supposed to make more excuses to the customers!?

Sakurai: (voice) Why don’t you think about that on your own? Well then, I’ll contact you again when I arrive at the hotel.

Ms. Sakurai hangs up the phone.

Togawa: Wait-! Ms. Reiko? Ms. Reiko?!

The tour customer Kondo Makoto approaches Togawa.

Kondo: Hey, you! What’s the meaning of this? Is this some sort of scam?!

Togawa: (shocked and panicking) Mr. Kondo! What ‘scam’ could you possibly be talking about?!

Kondo: I was told I was going to be in a men’s shared room. (Points at the flashily dressed Crayon.) So what the hell is this?

Togawa: Ah, that should be Mr. Kuroiwa Gentaro…

Crayon: Don’t use that name! I go by Crayon, like at my shop~!

Kondo: What’s a ‘crayon’? Whatever shop you work at, once I get home I’ll find it and shut it down!

Crayon: My shop isn’t some shabby establishment like what you’re thinking. What a hard-headed policeman~

Mr. Tanno: A police officer?

Togawa: Mr. Tanno, is something the matter?

Mr. Tanno: No, of course not…

The Tanno couple exchange a meaningful gaze. Meanwhile, Crayon is bothering Kondo.

Kondo: Stop it! Don’t blow in my ear!

Crayon: Omg~ so shy~! How cute! Tonight is going to be so~ much~ fun~! Teehee~

Crayon exits while giggling.

Kondo: Hey!... What do you mean ‘fun’?!

Kondo chases after Crayon.

Togawa: Wait… Where are you two going?!

Togawa chases the two offstage.

Mrs. Iwanami: Well well, we seem to be grouped with some interesting folk!

Mr. Iwanami: My goodness…

The Iwanamis also exit the stage, and the bridge leads to the next scene.

 Scene 1A: The City of Paris

Visiting Paris on a research trip, the Japanese author Kitashirakawa appears, singing.

[C’est Paris! C’est la vie!]

Kitashirakawa: Oh Paris!

What illuminates this city?

I saw it in the night-  the color of dreams.

Oh, Paris!

Only Paris can capture the hearts of writers

Like no other city!

I want you to show me

Like Ernest Hemmingway

Like Scott Fitzgerald

What they sought- the color of dreams!

C’est Paris!

Selfishly, in this city,

C’est Paris!

People can see unbelievable dreams.

I want you to show me

Like the philosophers of Montmartre

Like the lovers who speak of romance

Something I have never seen-  the color of dreams!

C’est la vie!

In the city of nostalgic meetings

C’est la vie!

People can find the dreams they’ve lost!

The editor Hayami accompanying Kitashirakawa on his trip appears.

Hayami: Mr. Kitashirakawa! There you are. I thought you’d suddenly disappeared…

Kitashirakawa: Hayami! I told you I hate group activities, not to mention when I’m forced to be around such vulgar people my creative motivation is exponentially reduced!

Hayami: You’re the one who selfishly broke away from the tour. Ms. Reiko’s been looking for you, too!

Kitashirakawa: That nasty tour guide… it’s fine to leave her behind.

Hayami: Really? I found her quite likeable. She’s the president of the tour agency but still leads tours with such vitality… It’s like watching a younger version of myself.

Kitashirakawa: If that’s true, then she’s bound to become a spinster too.

Hayami: Oh ho ho, what a jokester! I’ve definitely not given up yet.

Following Kitashirakawa, the guide Sakurai and the members of the Light Tour appear breathing heavily.

Sakurai: Mr. Kitashirakawa!

Kitashirakawa: Here comes the shabby tour guide.

Sakurai: How many times do I have to explain to you that your selfish behavior is a problem for the other tour members?

Kanezawa: Bro, I was looking for you.

Kitashirakawa: Hayami, do something! If I’m around this loud, annoying riffraff much longer, my creative research will be ruined!

Hayami: I’m sorry, Ms. Reiko. He’s that kind of artist…

Sakurai: Listen, this is a tour trip, you know? Even if Mr. Kitashirakawa is a famous novelist, in order to properly take part in the tour, he needs to listen to my instructions.

Kitashirakawa: Hayami…

Mrs. Shimoda: Kitashirakawa? Do you mean the Kitashirakawa Ukyo?

Kanezawa: Huh? This guy really a famous novelist?

Hayami: Yes! Mr. Kitashirakawa’s “Beauty and Sadness of the Blue Danube” (Utsukushisa to Kanashimi no Aoki Donau) was his brilliant debut novel! It was followed by his work “The Country of Light Snow” (Sasameyuki Kuni) that won the Tanibata Award. He’s truly a rare genius!

(TN: These are jokes regarding real life famous novels “Utsukushisa to Kanashimi to” by Yasunari Kawabata and “Sasameyuki” by Jun'ichirō Tanizaki. Therefore, the (not real) Tanibata Award would be a reference to Tani(zaki) (Kawa)bata. Hahaha, good job zuka.)

Kanezawa: Sounds like a bunch of rip-off titles.

Michiru: Papa!

(TN: Michiru is referring to Kanezawa as ‘Papa’ as a lover’s pet name, rather than a father-figure. Probably due to the fact that it’s implied he is older than her. It doesn’t really hold the same connotation in English, but it’s a bit too obvious of a word to try to change to something else.)

Mr. Shimoda: Well then, have you come to Paris to write a new novel?

Kitashirakawa: I suppose.

Hayami: Mr. Kitashirakawa is working on a romance set in the court of King Louis XIV!

Michiru: Wow! What’s the title?

Kitashirakawa: Are you ready to hear its brilliance? The title is… (emphatically) “The Lily of Versailles!” (Versailles no Yuri)

Kanezawa: As I thought, just another rip-off.

Kitashirakawa: What did you say!?

Kanezawa: Geez, so grumpy! But you know, I feel like we’d get along bro. We’ve both got good taste in clothes and nice hairstyles…

Kitashirakawa: Don’t lump me in with the likes of you! (Messes up Kanezawa’s hair) My hair’s the real deal!

Kanezawa: Aaah!

Michiru: Papa!

Holding onto his wig, Kanezawa looks around in panic at everyone staring at him.

Sakurai: (amazed) Let’s end our friendly chats there. If we don’t hurry, we’ll be late to arrive at the hotel.

 Scene 1B: Places des Vosges

The stage changes to the Places des Vosges.

Kitashirakawa: Hayami! This is exactly why I said I hate group tours!

Hayami: Well, sensei, I don’t think you ever actually said that…

Sakurai: Now everyone, once we go through the corridor from the Places des Vosges, the Château de la Reine is waiting for us.

All members go onto the ginkyo.

[Château de la Reine]

Hayami: This is it, sensei! The place that Balzac (Honoré de Balzac) and Stendhal (Marie-Henri Beyle) loved! We’re almost at the Château de la Reine!

Kitashirakawa: Aah, the legendary hotel that turned away even the great Ernest Hemingway!

Michiru: (To Kanezawa) We get to stay at such a fancy hotel…. It’s like a dream!

Sakurai: But it’s not a dream! At first glance, you can see it looks like the kind of hotel normal customers wouldn’t be able to stay at… For us to stay here on a tour like this, rather than calling it a dream… it’s more like a miracle!

Château de la Reine

And the Plaza Athénée

And the Crillon and the Ritz, It’s not your imagination

A place that tourists from all over the world desire to stay!

Kanezawa: What’s that mumbo jumbo even mean? Chartoo …. (he can’t pronounce it)

Kitashirakawa interrupts Sakurai before she can explain.

Kitashirakawa: The “Château de la Reine”! In Japanese it means “The Queen’s Château”. It was owned by the ruler of 17th century France, Louis XIV, but the true meaning behind the Château’s name is still a mystery…

Château de la Reine!                                                     Others: Château

King Louis XIV himself                                                                   de

Designed the interior decoration                                              la

And still untouched-                                                                      Reine

The Royal Suite!                                                                               Château

That made VIPs worldwide                                                         de

Revere the Sun King’s                                                                    la

Legendary Hotel!                                                                            Reine!

All: The Queen’s Château… Château de la Reine!

 Scene 1C: Château de la Reine (Courtyard Entrance)

The set changes during the interlude, the corridor hangings rise to reveal the courtyard entrance of the Château de la Reine. The hotel employees appear one after another.

Employees: Bienvenue!

Welcome to the Château de la Reine!

Employees: Château de la Reine!

Mrs. Shimoda: A once in a lifetime luxury

Mr. Shimoda: One last souvenir from the world

Employees: Château de la Reine

Michiru: How gorgeous!

Kanezawa: It’s perfect for us!

Employees: Château de la Reine

Hayami: Being able to stay here…

Kitashirakawa: … is the miracle of a lifetime!

Employees: Château de la Reine

All: Château de la Reine

The tour members all move to enter the Hotel. In the courtyard, the ghosts of Louis XIV and his servant Munon appear.

Louis: Munon, what is this? Who are those noisy people?!

Munon: I believe some Japanese tourists who have come to experience Paris?

Louis: And so, they also come to my Château de la Reine?

Munon: I fear that the hotel management has worsened, and they do not bother to take such care in screening visitors as they used to…

Louis: They just run in and out of the building like monkeys!

The place where my soul resides-

The Château de la Reine

For over three hundred years

Continuing to search      for my lost love       Munon: Continuing to search

Those that dare to interrupt                                                                                                                                                                for the king’s lost love…

My quest to find my beloved

Will not be forgiven!

The stage turns to reveal the hotel lobby.

Employees: Upon our list of past accommodations

Are the names of many great people!

Employees (women): Mozart!

Employees (men): Einstein!

Employees: Grace Kelly and Chaplain

Like everyone throughout the world

Who desires to see the color of dreams

The legendary hotel

The Queen’s Château- Château de la Reine

Mr. Shimoda: Our lives can finally end here

Mrs. Shimoda: It suits our final days

Employees: Château de la Reine

Kanezawa: I’ll tell her my secret and then propose?

Michiru: I want to know everything about Papa!

Employees: Château de la Reine

Château de la Reine

Hayami: To create a new masterpiece!

Sakurai: To get our company out of this pinch!

Kitashirakawa: I can already feel something great will happen!

Employees: Bienvenue! Welcome to

Château de la Reine!

Moving along with the number, the stage has changed to the lobby of the hotel.

 Scene 2: Château de la Reine (Lobby)

Continuing from the front of the Château de la Reine lobby…

Kitashirakawa: Très bien!! Its sense of style is even better than what I’d heard!

The hotel manager, Monsieur Duran, appears.

Duran: Bonsoir mesdames et messieurs! (To Kanezawa) Ça va?

(*TN: The script has the French as ‘madames’ and ‘monsieurs’ which I have been told are not the plural spelling. Take it as you prefer.)

Kanezawa: Who you callin’ a saba, huh?! (TN: Saba = mackerel fish)

Michiru: Papa! How embarrassing…

Sakurai: Everyone, this is the general manager of the hotel, Monsieur Duran.

Duran: We welcome you to the Château de la Reine! For those of you just arriving from the airport, we will have your baggage delivered to your rooms right away!

Kitashirakawa: It’s here!

Hayami: Sensei?

Kitashirakawa: It’s here, it’s here, it’s here---- IT’S HERE!

Hayami: Aaah- the angels of inspiration have already appeared!?

Sakurai: What on earth…

Hayami: This happens whenever he gets an idea! It’s as if something possesses him! He’s known as the exorcist of literature!

Kitashirakawa: Hayami! Quickly- I need a pen and paper!!

Hayami: Yes, here! (To Duran) Uhm… Je voudrais la clé… We are Kitashirakawa and Hayami. Quick, our room key!

Duran: Oui! (Offers the keys.) Here you are.

Hayami: (Takes the keys) Merci! (To the boy) Now, guide us to our room!

Boy: Oh! Par ici, s’il vous plaît …

Following the boy, Kitashirakawa and Hayami exit through the hotel corridor.

Sakurai: Wait, both of you- I haven’t explained yet-

Kanezawa: Hey missy, hurry up and give us our room too.

Sakurai: I understand… (To Duran) Well then, please assign Mr. Kanezawa and Mr. Shimoda their room keys as well.

Duran: Oui, madame.

Sakurai: Everyone, we will be departing for our dinner cruise in exactly thirty minutes. I respectfully request your punctuality in meeting here in the lobby.

The steward boys lead the visitors to their rooms through the corridor.

Sakurai: Well then, please enjoy your stay.

The guests pass Sakurai and Duran on their way out, and once they are out of sight Sakurai and the manager begin speaking.

Sakurai: Monsieur Duran, being able to complete this special tour is all thanks to you…

Duran: Pas de problème. I should be the one saying that. In this recession, we in management can only do so much in the face of such abrupt cancellations. I wonder what will happen now…

Sakurai: We’ll have to keep working earnestly, but before that there’s another matter to discuss…

Duran: Oui, Madame. If it’s about the double-booking…

Sakurai: Shhhhhh!!! (looking around) Anyway, about the baggage replacements… you’ll have to pay meticulous attention.

Duran: Leave it to us, Madame Reiko.

Duran exits the stage. Now alone, Sakurai takes out her cellphone. In a different area of the stage is Togawa, still waiting at the airport.

Sakurai: Hello?

Togawa: Ms. Reiko! Aren’t you running a little late!? I don’t know how much longer I can fend off the customers’ complaints!

Sakurai: Well, that just can’t be helped. My “Light Tour” is a 7-night-8-day package at 1,500,000 yen… while your “Shadow Tour” can visit the Château de la Reine for only 198,000 yen. On a cheap course, you just have to endure some inconveniences along the way.

Togawa: Even if you say it like that…

Sakurai: Anyway, the “Light Tour” members have just checked into the hotel. We’ll be leaving the hotel soon, so go ahead and please leave the airport now.

Togawa: I’m saved!

Sakurai: Are you going to be ok? You have to do the room assignments exactly as I told you. First is room 201, where the Shimoda couple is staying. (In the corridor of the hotel, the figures of the Shimoda couple can be seen.) They seem to be in charge of management for a large electrical company, but the economy hasn’t been very good to that kind of business lately.

Then, room 202 has the real estate kingpin, Mr. Kanezawa. (Similarly, Kanezawa and Michiru can be seen in the background.) He says the reason he joined this tour is to make plans for a Paris-themed casino in Las Vegas- which is more the type of business the economy has been kind to lately. The girl with him, Miss Michiru, is a former hostess… I thought she was his fiancée, but I’m not actually sure…

Togawa: And for the “Shadow Tour”, room 201 is the Iwanamis. And room 202 is the Tannos, right?

Sakurai: Right. But then the trouble comes in room 203, with the writer Kitashirakawa and his editor Ms. Hayami.

As the stage turns, the set of room 203 appears and Kitashirakawa working at the desk comes into view, working on his novel.

Togawa: Trouble?

Sakurai: Mr. Kitashirakawa! If I take my eyes off of him for even a second I don’t know what he’ll do. He walks around with the air of a celebrity- he thinks he’s so special…

Kitashirakawa: ACHOO

Kitashirakawa sneezes.

(TN: In Japan, it’s a common superstition that when you sneeze, it means someone is talking behind your back.)

Togawa: So, after we arrive at the hotel, what should we do?...

Sakurai: After about two hours, take everyone sightseeing.

Togawa: Got it. But… after that…?

Sakurai: You’ve already got a plan, don’t you?

Togawa: The only thing the plan says is ‘don’t come back to the hotel until morning’?!

Sakurai: Oui, monsieur. Bon voyage. Have a good trip.

Sakurai hangs up the phone.

Togawa: Wait… Ms. Reiko? Ms. Reiko!?

On opposite sides of the bridge, Sakurai and Togawa exit the stage.

 Scene 3: Château de la Reine (Room 203)

As the setting of Room 203 turns to the front, Kitashirakawa is sitting as his desk with his manuscript in front of him. His writing progress is not going as well as he thought…

Kitashirakawa: Aaah, it’s no good! I can’t write anything!... I was sure the Angel of Inspiration had visited me before… As I thought from the beginning, this is impossible… writing a romance novel about Louis XIV…

Kitashirakawa sighs, walking up to look at the portrait of Louis XIV in the room.

Kitashirakawa: (impatiently) Look at this ‘perfect’ guy. Politics… Love… Everything the perfect Sun King wanted, he got! When it comes to writing novels, that kind of life is just boring.

Suddenly the light disappears, and a man’s voice echoes through the room.

Louis: (Voice) Boring?! What would someone like you know about my life?!...

Kitashirakawa: What was that voice?...

Behind Kitashirakawa, the ghostly figure of King Louis XIV appears from the painting.

Louis: Barre-toi! Remove yourself from my presence immediately!

Kitashirakawa: (happily) It’s here! It’s here, it’s here, it’s here, it’s here!

Louis: This home is not a place for lowly monkeys like you to visit!

Kitashirakawa: And look! It’s even appeared in the form of Louis XIV himself… Amazing! It’s as if the archangel Michael himself has come before me!

Louis: What nonsense are you spouting? Were you not listening to what I said?

Kitashirakawa: With such kingly flourish! As if 300 years had not past, Louis XIV has been revived before me! Now, Angel of Stories, bestow upon me thine inspiration!

Louis: I am not an angel! I am the owner of the Château de la Reine, Louis XIV.

Kitashirakawa: Louis XIV? … You mean, the actual ghost of the Sun King?

Louis: Do you finally understand? So… are you properly terrified?

Kitashirakawa: Terrified? My pure talent is what’s terrifying! That my overflowing imagination could summon forth even this level of paranormal experience!...

Louis: What is wrong with this guy?

Kitashirakawa: Hey, tell me… If you really are Louis XIV like you say, then you’ve got to know something- right? Something you’ve never told anyone… For example, a tragic love story…

Louis: Why would I speak to you about such things?

Kitashirakawa: So that I can finish my romance novel- with you as the main character!

Louis: How rude! As if I would let you write my secrets into a novel!

Kitashirakawa: Meaning… there is something!

Louis: It has absolutely nothing to do with you.

Kitashirakawa: What kind of secret could it be! Some sort of affair with a noble woman? Or perhaps- a man….?

Louis: I do not have that kind of interest.

Kitashirakawa: Then perhaps you fell prey to the machinations of a woman who only wanted you for your status and power…?

Louis: How dare you! Diana is not that kind of woman!

Kitashirakawa: ~Diana~?

Louis: Ack!

Kitashirakawa: So, that is the name of the woman you loved?

Louis: Silence!

Kitashirakawa: Diana… Diana… The name Diana wasn’t listed in anything to do with Louis that I can remember. But Diana is the name of the Moon Goddess… A forbidden love story between the Sun King and the Moon Goddess… This could work! This could definitely work!

Shocked and appalled at the monkey Kitashirakawa, Louis returns to his place in the painting. The light returns to the room, and the sound of knocking can be heard at the door.

Sakurai: (voice) Mr. Kitashirakawa? Ms. Hayami?

Kitashirakawa: What? I’m finally at a good place…

Sakurai: (voice) Mr. Kitashirakawa? You’re there, aren’t you?

Kitashirakawa: It’s that woman again? Hayami! Hayami!

Hayami comes out of a nearby door to the next room.

Hayami: Yes, yes, Hayami is here!

Kitashirakawa: (Pointing at the door) Do something about her! A wonderful Angel of Inspiration has finally appeared to me! (Realizes that Louis has disappeared) Huh? Where’d he go?

Kitashirakawa goes to inspect the portrait, but the knocking sound returns.

Sakurai: Mr. Kitashirakawa! Ms. Hayami!

When Hayami opens the door, Sakurai jumps into the room.

Sakurai: What on earth are you doing? It’s time for us to depart for the dinner cruise!

Hayami: Oh, is that so?

Sakurai: All of the other customers are already gathered and waiting!

Kitashirakawa: Really? Well, on the contrary, I will not be attending.

Sakurai: That… I cannot allow that! Such selfish behavior will cause trouble for the other customers!

Kitashirakawa: What kind of trouble could it cause? This is my room, after all.

The local guide Pierre enters the room.

Pierre: Madame Reiko, if we do not hurry, we will be late for the dinner cruise!

Hayami: What… an attractive man…

Pierre: Enchanté! I am your local guide- Pierre!

Sakurai: Monsieur Pierre, please gather the other customers and leave the hotel first. I will bring Mr. Kitashirakawa to the cruise myself.

Pierre: J’ai compris.

Sakurai: Sensei… would you mind…?

Kitashirakawa: Yeah, go and enjoy it for me, too.

Pierre escorts Hayami from the room.

Sakurai: Mr. Kitashirakawa, please come with me!

Kitashirakawa: I’d rather write my novel!

Sakurai: You can write it later, can’t you? For example, after the dinner cruise…

Kitashirakawa: You are so persistent!

Sakurai’s mobile phone begins to ring.

Sakurai: (answering the phone) Hello?

Kitashirakawa: If you’re going to chat on the phone, leave the room!

Togawa: (voice) Ms. Reiko! We finally arrived at the Château de la Reine! I just delivered everyone their room keys.

Sakurai: No! No! You have to take the customers out sightseeing immediately!

Togawa: (voice) Ms. Reiko!?

Sakurai hurriedly hangs up the phone.

Sakurai: What should I do…

Sakurai begins to clean up Kitashirakawa’s things.

Kitashirakawa: HEY! What are you doing?!

Sakurai: What does it look like- cleaning!

Kitashirakawa: But WHY?

Sakurai: Because if I don’t clean, we’ll be in a lot of trouble!

Kitashirakawa: Hey!

Crayon: (voice) Here it is! Room 203! Mako-chan, hurry and open it~

Kitashirakawa: Whose voice is that?

Kondo: (voice) Who are you callin’ Mako-chan!!

Crayon: (voice) Since your name’s Kondo Makoto, you’re now Mako-chan!

As Crayon and Kondo approach from the hall, the sound of keys opening the door can be heard. Sakurai drags Kitashirakawa behind the sofa and pushes him down.

Kitashirakawa: GYA!

Sakurai: This is bad! This is bad!

Crayon and Kondo enter the room.

Crayon: Wow! What a wonderful room! It’s kind of like being on a honeymoon~ (Crayons skips over to Kondo)

Kondo: How is it a honeymoon with two men!?

Togawa appears in the doorway.

Togawa: Mr. Kondo, Ms. (?) Crayon. It’s a bit earlier than planned, but I’d like to take you on your first sightseeing tour now…

Kondo: You saved me! Well then, quickly- to sightseeing! Sightseeing, sightseeing…

Kondo quickly runs from the room as if to escape.

Crayon: Hey, Mako-chan! Wait for me!

Crayon leaves the room, following Kondo. Kitashirakawa and Sakurai appear from behind the sofa.

Kitashirakawa: I can’t!... I can’t breathe!

Togawa: Ms. Reiko!?

Sakurai: Togawa! What are you doing? Hurry up and follow the customers!

Togawa: What are YOU doing, Ms. Reiko!? Behind a sofa… alone with a man!

Sakurai: This isn’t the time for weird misunderstandings!

Togawa: But…

Sakurai: Just hurry up and go after the customers!!

Togawa: Y-Yes!

Togawa runs out of the room in a hurry.

Kitashirakawa: HEY! What the hell just happened!? And what was with that okama couple!?

Sakurai: Ah, it must be, a slight error with the hotel…

Kitashirakawa: SLIGHT error?!

Sakurai: Anyway, it seems like there isn’t anything to worry about with the room, so please continue writing your novel at your leisure. Well then, I’ll take my leave…

Sakurai rushes from the room.

Kitashirakawa: HEY! Wait a minute!

Kitashirakawa runs from the room chasing after Sakurai. Once they’re both gone, the ghost of Louis XIV returns, accompanied by strange music.

Louis: Munon. Do something about these monkeys!

Munon: Even if you ask milord, what could I do…

Louis: With people like that around, I’ll never be able to communicate with Diana’s soul.

Munon: I’ve been searching with your majesty for Diana for over 300 years now… Could Madame Diana possibly still be in this Château?

Louis: Are you doubting me?!

Munon: I held no such intent, sire…

Louis: I am certain that I heard Diana’s voice in this Château. She must still be wandering through that deep darkness…

 Scene 4: Château de la Reine (Courtyard Entrance)

Lonely music plays. The stage changes to the Château in the 17th century, covered in moonlight. (This is a mental image by Louis.) While Louis sings on the ginkyo, Diana can be seen standing in the gardens, covered in moonlight.

[The Sun and the Moon]

Louis: Diana… even if you never forgive me, my soul will eternally search for you, my love…

No one knows

How the Sun King of France

Hid darkness within his heart

And how that darkness

Was illuminated by the light of the gentle moon.

In the interlude of the song, Petit Louis appears from inside the house.

Petit Louis: Maman!

Diana: Petit Louis…

As Petit Louis approaches Diana, one leg drags behind him as if hurt.

Petit Louis: Maman! Tell me about father! He was a soldier, right? A soldier who courageously fought against Spain and was a hero of France?

Diana: No. Your father was but a weakling. He gave into the Spanish blood running in his veins and abandoned us.

Petit Louis: Papa… abandoned…?

Diana: Forgive me, Petit Louis. If mama hadn’t believed in your father so much, then your leg wouldn’t…

Petit Louis: Don’t cry, Maman! I’m fine as long as I have Maman! I won’t ever ask about Papa again. So please… don’t cry, Maman.

Diana: Petit Louis…

Diana and Petit Louis share a strong embrace.

Louis: Forgive me! … Diana! Petit Louis!...

Diana                                                                                                    

Goddess of the moon, who illuminated my heart

I search only for you

Diana

The only proof I ever lived                                                                                                                                              Diana: The only proof I ever lived

I will keep searching for you                                                                                                                                                           I wish to forget it…

If only to be able to express to you                                                                                                                                              The cruel Sun King’s

My sincere love…                                                                                                                                                                                ‘Sincere’ love…

Diana!

As the light fades around them, the stage turns to the next scene.

 Scene 5: The City of Paris

Sakurai appears on a dark street outside of the hotel, quickly followed by Kitashirakawa chasing after her.

Kitashirakawa: HEY! Wait a minute! Stop trying to escape!?

Sakurai: Escape?... No, I’m only trying to join everyone on the dinner cruise…

Kitashirakawa: You can’t hide this sham from me anymore! I figured it out the moment I saw those other guys that came in earlier. This double-booking situation was planned from the beginning!

Sakurai: … I’m truly truly sorry!

Having been found out, Sakurai begins apologizing and bowing vigorously in defeat.

Kitashirakawa: You can’t fool the keen eyes of a novelist!

Sakurai: I truly had no choice! Although we planned this expensive tour with the Château de la Reine, we couldn’t attract as many customers as we thought! So… we had to plan a second, cheaper tour attraction…

Kitashirakawa: As I thought! … Well, in planning this second fraudulent trip, were you able to satisfy your greed for money?

Sakurai: If we didn’t manage to collect enough for our settlement by this month’s deadline, my company would go bankrupt!...

Kitashirakawa: Your circumstances really don’t mean anything to me…

Sakurai: Yes, you are right… No matter what the circumstances are, I did something terrible to everyone here… At the very least, I plan to take full responsibility for my actions. I apologize, it is all my fault that this tour will end prematurely…

Kitashirakawa: End?...

Sakurai: Of course, we will offer full reimbursement of your money…

Kitashirakawa: Wait a minute, who said anything about stopping the tour?

Sakurai: I’m truly sorry, but there’s no way for me to reserve the necessary amount of rooms… So, there’s no other way.

Kitashirakawa: Then, you should just continue as is, right?

Sakurai: …What?

Kitashirakawa: The double-booking tour.

Sakurai: What are you saying?

Kitashirakawa: As of now, the only one who’s noticed your little plan is this brilliant author here. None of the other customers have noticed anything at all.

Sakurai: To continue the tour… Are you saying you’ll help me?

Kitashirakawa: Well, I guess something like that…

Sakurai: You would do that for me…

Kitashirakawa: Don’t misunderstand! It’s really not for you.

Sakurai: Then, instead… you don’t mean, for me to spend the night with you…!?

Kitashirakawa: It’s nothing like that!? If the tour were to stop now, it would be a huge problem for me!

Sakurai: What do you mean?

Kitashirakawa: While on this tour, I HAVE to write a new novel by any means necessary! A brilliant masterpiece to resurrect the name of Kitashirakawa Ukyo! Recently I’ve been squeaking by with small serializations here and there- my career as a novelist hangs on the success of this tour!

Sakurai: But, to continue tricking the other customers with the double booking for such a reason…

Kitashirakawa: Anyway, in order to keep up with your sham, I’ll go along with your plan starting tomorrow morning and follow your boring sightseeing or whatever…

Sakurai: Thank you so much! … Well, I don’t know if I should really be thanking you or…

Kitashirakawa: Well, then! I’m going back to my room to write my novel, so don’t interrupt me again! (He goes to leave, then stops.) And make sure none of the others catch on to your plan- do your job properly! Huh!

Turning his back on Sakurai, Kitashirakawa exits the stage. The music slowly changes to Sakurai’s song.

[Another étranger] (TN: étranger means ‘stranger’? This could potentially be very wrong.)

Sakurai: To suddenly chase after someone

I feel something pass through my heart

With kindness                   And with coldness-                         The feelings I avoided

Seem to be reaching out.

The bustle and laughter of the city

All belong to someone other than me.

Just another étranger

Like I see reflected in the shop windows

I desired a time long past.

A temperamental traveler

Just another étranger.

But I can see it reflected              In someone’s eyes…

The destination I’ve been searching for

Another me

Like a lost child.

And staring at myself when I cannot move…

Is just another étranger.

Finishing the song, Sakurai exits the stage.

 Scene 6: Parfum de la Lune

A cabaret in Montmartre, a can-can singer appears during a drum roll. He begins to introduce the start of the show.

[Parfum de la Lune]

Cancan singer: Bonsoir mesdames et messieurs. C’est parti CAN CAN! (TN: Again, was told the French was incorrect idk)

At the singer’s signal, the music picks up pace, and the back of the stage starts a brilliant and shocking Cancan dance. In the audience sit the members of Togawa’s tourist group. Half way through the show, the dancers move to dance among the audience, urging them to dance along. Crayon happily dances along, while Kondo seems embarrassed. The Tannos watch everyone suspiciously.

Cancan singer: Parfum de la Lune

The sweet scent invites you

Parfum de la Lune

Gaze up at the moon in the night sky

Like a fragrant aphrodisiac

Parfum de la Lune

Cancan girls: Even if you’re bored

Or been sightseeing all day

Anyone is welcome here!

Garçon: Do you want to forget that lonely feeling?

Well, let’s get started!

It’s time for our dazzling show!

Cancan singer: Parfum de la Lune

Those are magical words

Parfum de la Lune

The song here is always one of love

Until the moon finally sets!

With the customers: Parfum de la Lune

Parfum de la Lune

Parfum de la Lune Ah!

All: Let’s play through the night!

Ah          Ah          Ah          Ah!

Once the song is over, everyone makes their way back to their seats.

Crayon: To be able to dance the cancan at a real cabaret! It’s like a dream! Right, Mako-chan~?

Kondo: I keep telling you, don’t involve me!

Mr. Tanno: Mr. Togawa, shouldn’t we be getting back to the hotel?

Togawa: That… Mr. Tanno, our sightseeing has only just begun?

Mr. Tanno: We didn’t come here just to play around!

Kondo: Oh, so did you come here for work?

Mrs. Tanno: (Scrutinizing) We… work in import sales. So, we’re looking to buy rare brand items.

Crayon: Amazing! When we get back, can I visit your shop sometime?

Mrs. Tanno: Yes, of course! (Trying to change the course of the conversation) So, Crayon, why did you come to Paris?

Crayon: I guess you could call it a ‘heartbreak trip’. I’m trying to heal my broken heart…

Kondo: I guess okama are miserable on their own.

Crayon: How rude! Aren’t you on your own, too, Mako-chan?

Kondo: I… The person I invited… rejected me…

Crayon: Your lover?

Kondo: No, just someone I liked…

Crayon: So, you invited someone you weren’t even dating to travel to Paris with you?

Kondo: So what if I did?!

Crayon: That… for a first date, that’s a bit too much~

Mr. Tanno: Mr. Togawa, can’t we just do as we like from here? We really want to go back to the hotel.

Togawa: Mr. Tanno!

Mrs. Iwanami: Well then, we will also go back with you…

Togawa: The Iwanamis too?... Please, I can’t allow you to go off on your own!

Mr. Tanno: Why?

Togawa: The streets of Paris at night can be dangerous! If anything happened to you…

Crayon: (Grabs onto Kondo’s arm) Well then, why don’t we all go back together?

Togawa: Ms. Crayon!?

Crayon: I sure would like to be alone with Mako-chan here~ (Shimmies up to Kondo)

Kondo: STOP IT!

Togawa: That, I can’t allow it! No matter what, I will make sure that you all enjoy sightseeing in Paris ALL NIGHT!

Everyone is amazed at Togawa’s raised voice.

Crayon: Well that was sudden… I’m kind of surprised.

Togawa: (returning to his senses) I… I am so terribly sorry!

Kondo: But what do you mean by “all night”?

Togawa: That is… to say… returning to the hotel right now… would be bad…

Mr. Tanno: “Bad”?

Togawa: Actually, about our situation at the Château de la Reine… there is something that I haven’t told you all…

Mr. Iwanami: Well, how ominous! Come now, tell us…

Togawa: Then, I will tell you truthfully… The truth is, all of your guestrooms… are limited to use only during the daytime…

Mrs. Tanno: What!?

Mr. Tanno: Then what are we supposed to do during the night?

Togawa: That is why… I want you to enjoy sightseeing through the evening…

Kondo: Are you saying we’re just supposed to stroll around the city all night?

Togawa: Please don’t worry about that, there are many shops open until the early morning hours!

Kondo: That’s not actually the problem here, is it!?

Mrs. Iwanami: Mr. Togawa, what is the reason behind all this?

Togawa: That is…

Kondo: You… if you don’t tell us the full truth right now, I’m gonna arrest you!

Togawa: A-arrest!? Please, have mercy…

Mrs. Iwanami: Now, now, Mr. Kondo… Stop acting all tough, won’t you? Let’s first listen to what Mr. Togawa has to say. After all, there has to be some sort of extenuating circumstance for all this?

Prepared to divulge all, Togawa vigorously bows to them.  (dogeza)

Togawa: I am so truly sorry! I… have betrayed everyone’s trust with my outrageous actions!... (crying)

Kondo: Now what’s wrong?

Crayon: Seems like he’s just crying…

Mr. Iwanami: Mr. Togawa, raise your head now. At the least, we’ve all agreed to listen to what you have to say, ok?

The stage fades into darkness.

 Scene 7: The City of Paris

On the ginkyo, the members of the “Light Tour” return from their dinner cruise with Pierre. Hayami and Pierre are especially drunk…

Pierre: Everybody~! Did you enjoy the dinner cruise~?

Hayami: Yes, amazing!

Pierre: Non, the amazing one… is you~!

Hayami: Oh, Pierre… In truth, I… am a ~terrible~ woman…

Michiru: Gross! Lady, you’ve really got it bad…

Hayami: What? Are you jealous?

Michiru: That’s impossible…

Kanezawa: Is that true?! Michiru…

Michiru: Papa?

Kanezawa: Really, compared to an old man like me… (he suddenly grabs Pierre’s shoulder) you prefer young guys like this!

Michiru: What are you saying!? The only one Michiru loves is Papa!

Kanezawa: Ya swear it?

Pierre: Well, anyway… there are many places that I wish to take you as your guide!

Mrs. Shimoda: Well then, Mr. Pierre, would it be alright if I asked you something then?

Pierre: Oui, madame.

Mrs. Shimoda: I’d like for you to tell me… What is the quietest and most beautiful place in all of Paris?

Pierre: The Basilique du Sacré-Cœur!

Mr. Shimoda: Where was that?

Pierre: The Sacred Heart temple in Montmartre! It was painted by Utrillo (Maurice Utrillo) as the white temple~!

Mrs. Shimoda: Really… The Sacred Heart temple? Thank you very much.

The Shimoda couple share a meaningful gaze.

Pierre: Well then, let us return! I shall guide you all back to the hotel~!

Hayami: Eh!? We’re going home already?

Michiru: You’ve already had enough to drink, haven’t you?

Kanezawa: (Seeing Hayami tripping over her own feet) Hey, hey, lady, are you ok?

Everyone begins to exit the stage. Mr. Shimoda does not move, and Mrs. Shimoda calls back to him.

Mrs. Shimoda: Dear?

Mr. Shimoda: We… are going to end up causing some trouble for those people, aren’t we?

Mrs. Shimoda: Isn’t ok to do as we like, at least at the end? Just at the end…

Mr. Shimoda smiles at his wife, who looks at him with a sweet smile.

Mr. Shimoda: You always show me such a loving smile, even at times like this. It makes me wish I could have spared you all this…

Mrs. Shimoda tries to keep smiling.

Mr. Shimoda: Fusako… you don’t have to keep smiling. Don’t force yourself to smile.

Mrs. Shimoda tries to hide her tears. As the ending falls, the two exit the stage.

 Scene 8: Château de la Reine (Room 203, Mr. Kitashirakawa’s room)

Room 203 in the Château de la Reine. After returning to the room, Kitashirakawa approaches the portrait of Louis XIV.

Kitashirakawa: Now then! No more interruptions! Come, let me once again gaze upon your true form!

After Kitashirakawa’s voice fades, there is nothing but silence.

Kitashirakawa: Please, I need to know! The truth between you and Diana- Who exactly was Diana? What is the true identity of the Moon Goddess…!?

As the lights disappear, Louis’s voice echoes through the room.

Louis: I will not forgive you…. You dare to speak Diana’s name so lightly!?

Kitashirakawa: It’s here! It’s here, it’s here, it’s here, it’s here!

Louis appears from the portrait.

Louis: Remove yourself from my presence immediately! My soul will never speak to the likes of you…

Kitashirakawa: Even with that kind of threat, do you think I would miss an opportunity like this? Now, come… tell me the story of you and Diana…!

Louis: Silence! You dare to speak her name a second time?!

Kitashirakawa: Why are you trying to hide it? What on earth happened between the two of you?

Louis: There’s no reason I should speak to the likes of you.

Kitashirakawa: Please listen. All I want is to write about your one and only true love.

Louis: True love?

Kitashirakawa: Yes! In the memoirs written about you, you’re almost like a myth- a man with only brilliant achievements and no human faults to be found. But what I want to write is about you as a man and your one true love!

Louis: How foolish… You think the King of France could ever live as a simple person?

Kitashirakawa: Well then, what was Diana to you?

Louis: …

Kitashirakawa: I’ll bet that love was your only proof you ever lived! That is the story of the Sun King that should be passed down through history!

Louis: To live as a king… there is no such thing as true love!... In order to become the Sun King of France, I expelled Dianna from Versailles and sent her here to live in this Château. No matter how much you ask, there is no ‘love story’ for you to find. I still only ask for her forgiveness, and for that reason continue to search for her soul…

Kitashirakawa: Très bien! Beautiful! The anguish of the King who had to throw his own love away… And now continues his eternal search for Diana, as just a simple man. This is the theme I’ve been looking for in my next work!

Louis: After all this, you’re still talking about such things…

Kitashirakawa: Kitashirakawa Ukyo’s second name is the Genius Romance Novelist! Within my creation, the love between two people not bound by time… Well, in my story, you would definitely be able to meet Diana again!

Louis: Foolish! For your scenario to work, Diana would have to appear before us.

Kitashirakawa: You’ll see… What’s needed to bring your reunion about… is Versailles!

Louis: Versailles!? But, she’s still here, in this Château…

Kitashirakawa: Rather, we should summon her in the place of your beautiful, shared memories! To Versailles!

The rhythm begins to change with the Background music.

[To Versailles]

Kitashirakawa: Beyond the boundaries of time

Your two souls are tied together

Louis: A man like you appeared unexpectedly

Bringing hope with you

Kitashirakawa: A fantastic story!

Louis: An absurd idea…

Kitashirakawa: Let’s draw her out!

Louis: Let’s give it a chance.

Kitashirakawa: Like                                                                                                                                                                                       Louis: Like

A feeling of a déjà vu-                                                                                                                                                             The feeling of falling in love

A chance to meet again!                                                                                                                                                              A chance to create anew,

The story of the Sun King and Moon Goddess!                                                                                                                       My story with Diana.

Kitashirakawa: Well then, to Versailles!

Louis: To Versailles!

Kitashirakawa and Louis: Let’s go find the next part of the story!

During the interlude, Munon suddenly appears without warning and interrupts the two.

Munon: But the problem is, exactly how is his Majesty to get to Versailles?

Kitashirakawa: (Shocked) Who are you?!

Louis: Munon. What’s the problem?

Munon: In that kind of dress, you would stand out to people in this modern era…

Kitashirakawa: Aah, If that’s the case, you don’t need to worry. You can just accompany me as a local guide who dresses the part for the tour.

Reassuring Louis with his bright idea, Kitashirakawa begins to lead them in song again. The three of them begin to sing together.

Kitashirakawa: When past and present intersect

An unpredictable story!

Come, to Versailles!

Louis and Munon: Quickly, to Versailles!

All three: Let’s go find the next part of the story!

Kitashirakawa: To Versailles!

Louis and Munon: Quickly, to Versailles!

Kitashirakawa: Now-

All three: Let’s begin… the next part of the story!

As the music ends, the curtain falls.

 Scene 9: The City of Paris

Togawa appears on the ginkyo, followed by the members of the “Shadow Tour”. Mr. Iwanami is singing the military song “Song of the Young Eagle” while supporting the crying Togawa by the shoulder.

Mr. Iwanami: (Singing) The seven buttons of the young-blooded trainee pilots are…

(TN: This was a song used when drafting potential aviators?)

Crayon: (To Togawa) How long are you going to keep crying? Didn’t we already agree to cooperate with you so the people in the “Light Tour” don’t figure out your plan?

Togawa: But, why are you all being so nice!? After I betrayed your trust like that… you should never forgive me! (cries again)

Kondo: Stop blaming yourself so much. It was something you had to do to save your company, right?

Crayon: Mako-chan, you’re so nice!~ And after you kept going on about arresting him earlier…

Kondo: I’m making an exception. If we don’t return to the hotel, then I don’t have to worry about being attacked by an okama in the middle of the night…

Crayon: What did you just say!??

Kondo: No-Nothing in particular…

Mr. Iwanami: Mr. Togawa.

Everyone freezes at the severe tone of Mr. Iwanami’s voice.

Togawa: Y-Yes!?

Mr. Iwanami: Just smile.

Togawa: What?

Mr. Iwanami: When I was young, I left junior high school and applied to military training, where I became a zero-fighter pilot (TN: Mitsubishi A6M planes in the war). The cockpits in those planes were very small, and whenever we intercepted a B29 (TN: American Boeing B29 super fortress) … there was no guarantee whether we would live to the next day or not.

Kondo: Are we about to have to listen to this old man’s war stories?

Crayon: Mako-chan!

Mr. Iwanami: However, even when we were prepared for death, we continued to smile and laugh.

Togawa: Mr. Iwanami!

Mr. Iwanami: After my time there, I became a teacher at a special night high school because I wanted to pass that message along to the children. Do you understand? Especially when things are difficult, you just smile and laugh. Smile for someone that you care about.

Togawa: Mr. Iwanami…! (crying again)

Crayon: Aaah… He’s crying again.

Mr. Tanno: Mr. Togawa… How about this? If you just leave the “Light Tour” customers’ baggage in the rooms, we’ll make sure not to touch or disturb them. Then you can save the time needed for having to move things around, right?

Mrs. Iwanami: Oh, I think that’s a very nice idea! With that plan, we can all work together to help Mr. Togawa!

Togawa: Everyone! I, Togawa Mitsuo, will never ever forget this blessing!

Crayon: Well then, why don’t we head to the next shop? (Takes Kondo’s arm) Somewhere we can have some fun~

Mr. Iwanami: Well then, Mr. Togawa. You must continue to guide us!

Togawa: Yes!!... Well then, please follow me!

With Togawa in the lead, everyone follows along. Only the Tanno couple remain on stage.

Mrs. Tanno: How stone cold. Pretending to be honorable- like you won’t touch a thing.

Mr. Tanno: Sharing a room with a bunch of rich people from the “Light Tour” when only we’ll be there during the day. We won’t get another chance like this.

Mrs. Tanno: You… really are a bad person.

Mr. Tanno: Do you dislike it?

Mrs. Tanno: It makes me love you even more.

The couple also leaves, the stage turning to the next scene.

 Scene 10: The Palace of Versailles (The Hall of Mirrors)

The Palace of Versailles is bustling with plenty of sightseeing tourists. The guide Pierre appears, leading the members of the “Light Tour”.

Pierre: Here we are! Everyone, this is the famous Palace of Versailles’ Hall of Mirrors!

Michiru: How flashy!? This is so my style.

Kanezawa: Wow! This is something! I’ve gotta have a hall like this in my hotel in Vegas, bro.

Hayami: Excuse me, everyone… would you terribly mind not speaking in such loud voices? My head feels like it’s going to break…

Mr. Shimoda: Fusako. What in the world is this place? I can’t believe that one person could have such a place built in only one generation.

Mrs. Shimoda: Well, Louis the XIV was known for his excessive spending. It was the reason the country went into bankruptcy before the French Revolution, I think…

Kitashirakawa, Louis, and Munon appear.

Louis: The one who caused bankruptcy was not I, but Louis XVI! I’m utterly embarrassed to call that man my descendant.

Mr. Shimoda: Fusako, look. There are paintings that reach up to the ceiling.

Louis: Ah, so you noticed! After I was crowned, I had these impressive paintings completed in a mere eighteen years- each one painted by Le Blanc himself. This one here is the War of Flanders, while this one is the War with the Netherlands…

Michiru: (To Kanezawa) Don’t you think that guide is amazing?!

Sakurai: (To Kitashirakawa) So you’re saying he’s… really the ghost of Louis XIV?

Kitashirakawa: Yes! The savior of my novel!

Sakurai: But, to go so far as to make him a tour guide…

Kitashirakawa: It’s a great idea, right!? The idea to make him a tour guide of Versailles suddenly struck me!

Everyone begins praising Louis’ explanations.

Kitashirakawa: Thankfully, everyone really believes he’s just a really devoted guide impersonating Louis XIV.

Mrs. Shimoda: Even so, I wonder why… For such a beautiful palace, this place seems to have a feeling of sadness to it.

Mr. Shimoda: Yes, I thought so too.

Sakurai: Mr. Shimoda, are you feeling alright?

Mr. Shimoda: Oh, yes of course! I was just… thinking about something a former teacher used to tell me all the time.

Sakurai: What was it?

Mrs. Shimoda: When times are difficult or painful… or even sad. You must laugh and survive for someone you care about.

Sakurai: Even in difficult times, for someone you care about…

Mrs. Shimoda: For us, those words are irreplaceable.

Mr. Shimoda: I think our teacher definitely wanted to pass on that hope to live to those of us with no money and no hope.

Sakurai: It’s a lovely story.

Kanezawa: Could you not tell depressing stories when we managed to come all the way to Versailles?

Mr. Shimoda: I’m sorry!... What was I thinking, ruining the mood like that…

Kitashirakawa: I disagree! It is a very interesting life view. Even if you think like that in regards to the Sun King… A king carrying darkness deep within his heart. As he thirsts for the light that can eradicate the darkness, it leads him to build this masterpiece…

Hayami: That’s Kitashirakawa-sensei for you!... What a beautiful interpretation… (suddenly feels sick)

Kitashirakawa: Hayami?

Hayami: I… need to go… to the restroom…

Pierre: Oh, Madame! I will show you the way!

Pierre accompanies Hayami off stage.

Mr. Shimoda: Well then, please excuse us as well. Come, Fusako…

Mrs. Shimoda: Ms. Reiko, are you coming?

Sakurai: Yes!

The Shimodas also exit the stage. Suddenly looking at Kanezawa, Kitashirakawa notices an incident.

Kitashirakawa: Shouldn’t you go as well?

Kanezawa: Me? … Why?

Kitashirakawa: (in a whisper) You’re crooked… (indicating Kanezawa’s wig)

Kanezawa: Crooked!?... CROOKED!?

Michiru: Papa! Where are you going!?

Kanezawa runs off stage while holding down his wig with his hands. Michiru follows him off stage.

Sakurai: That isn’t the restroom, Mr. Kanezawa! Miss Michiru!

Ms. Sakurai chases after them.

Louis: And why did I have to pretend to be your silly guide?

Kitashirakawa: Contrary to your words, you seem to be enjoying yourself quite a bit.

Munon: Yes, it did seem as if you were coming to enjoy it.

Louis: Do not make fun! Forget all that, what about Diana? When will she reveal herself to me?

Kitashirakawa: Don’t panic. We’ve set up the perfect situation for a reunion scenario!

[Reminiscence]

The background music begins.

Kitashirakawa: Our story begins with the Sun King giving a monologue. While alone in this corridor, gather all your nostalgia for Diana, and speak of the beautiful memories you shared here together! Led by your voice, other ghosts may appear and disappear… And among them, you alone can locate her true form! Now, call out to the Moon Goddess, to Diana’s soul…!

As the lights change with the music, aristocratic looking men and women begin to fill the corridor with dancing. Among a group of a dancers, the nervous Diana appears. Kitashirakawa and Munon move to the front of the stage to ‘watch’.

Louis: The first time I met Diana… was at the ball to celebrate the victory of my first battle as king. Although she was only brought into the palace to serve as a maid to the queen, she was luminous… as bright and beautiful as the moon goddess herself…

Aristocrats: Dance!          Dance!

Together with the unsetting sun

Dance!  Dance!

Even as the night begins to fall

Louis dances his way through the people, arriving in front of Diana and offering her his hand.

Diana: Forgive me, I cannot dance.

Louis: Do I displease you?

Diana: No, but I must present myself to the king…

Louis: In that case, you need not worry. I can assure you the king will not be at his station this evening.

Offering his hand again, Diana slowly accepts. The two begin to dance.

Munon: When His Majesty was young, he narrowly escaped death due to the actions of some unreasonable nobility- causing His Majesty a lifetime of pain and mistrust in people. No one could truly understand the depths of suspicion and loneliness in his heart.

(TN: Possible reference to the Fronde Rebellion?)

Kitashirakawa: So, the one who lifted that loneliness was the Moon Goddess Diana…

Aristocrats: Dance!          Dance!

Together with the unsetting sun

Dance!                  Dance!

Diana disappears in the crowd of noblemen, and Queen Maria Theresa and Louis’s mother Anne appear.

Maria Theresa: Your Majesty, answer me. Is it true that vile woman you’ve taken in is now with child?

Louis: Watch your tongue, Queen. If the child is born a boy, then Diana will be the mother to my heir.

Maria Theresa: So… you even intend to hand over the throne to that child!?

Anne: My Queen, His Majesty has been fooled by that woman. His sanity may be lost for now, but soon he will come to realize his own mistake!

Louis: No, mother. My only mistake was ever accepting a princess of the enemy Spain as my Queen! My child with Diana will be my true legacy!

Maria Theresa: What are you saying!?

Anne: Apparently, his Majesty seems to have forgotten. That the child born to him of that woman will also have the blood of Spain running in their veins.

Anne makes a face to indicate that she has a plan and urges Maria Theresa to follow her, and they disappear into the dancing. Louis, angry and with no place to go, dances among the middle.

Aristocrats: Praise! Praise!

The birth of a long desired son

Cutting through the darkness of night    the child of the Sun of France!

A baby’s first cries echo through the halls, and Louis breaks away from the dancers.

Louis: Petit Louis!... The child of the Sun of France!

As Louis moves to try to go to Diana, Anne stands in his way.

Anne: Your Majesty, where do you think you are going?

Louis: To see Diana!

Anne: You cannot. Your Majesty must, for the sake of France, always continue to dance!

In an eerie formation, the noblemen gather around Louis and dance, tossing him about.

Aristocrats: Dance!          Dance!

Even if the sun sets

Dance   Dance

Within the great darkness,          The King continues to dance.

In a cross formation, the nobles move around Louis and swallow him. The back of the hall of mirrors changes to a balcony in the palace. On the balcony, Diana is holding her newborn baby close. Maria Theresa approaches her.

Maria Theresa: Madame Diana… Allow me to hold the child.

Diana: My Queen, it would be too high of an honor…

Maria Theresa: Well, show him to me quickly!

Maria Theresa takes Petit Louis from Diana by force.

Diana: My Queen!

Maria Theresa: Well, how adorable… he looks just like His Majesty…

Diana: My Queen?

Standing over the handrail, Maria Theresa lifts Petit Louis high. A disturbing twilight begins to spread in the background.

Maria Theresa: Louis de Soleil de France… The child of the Sun of France!!

Louis: Stop!!...

As the music hits a shocking accent, Maria Theresa drops Petit Louis off the edge of the balcony. At the same time, Louis manages to shake off the smothering nobles. Along with the accented music, the scene changes. While the nobles continue their disturbing song, they slowly move off stage.

Aristocrats: Dance           Dance

Together with the unsetting sun

Dance   Dance

The glory of the King shines…

Kitashirakawa: But… Petit Louis… What happened to Petit Louis…!?

Munon: Fortunately, his life was spared. But one leg was severely injured, and never properly healed… And so that no more danger would ever befall those two, his Majesty sent Diana away to that Château under the pretext of exiling her…

Kitashirakawa: So, the reason Louis continued to live as the Sun King of France was to protect the ones he loved… but, that love became nothing but despair for Diana…

Finally released from the memories, Louis approaches Kitashirakawa.

Louis: Diana… Where is Diana? (To Kitashirakawa) Why hasn’t she revealed herself?

Kitashirakawa: …

Louis: Answer me! When will Diana be revealed to me?

Kitashirakawa: … I don’t know.

Louis: You don’t know? Didn’t you say if we followed your scenario, then I could find her?!

Kitashirakawa: I don’t know! If you say that the thing that drove Diana’s heart deeper into the darkness was your love, then what would be the light that summons her back to you… How would I write that?

Louis: You have deceived me! Because you just wanted to write your little novel, you tricked me into telling you about Diana!

Kitashirakawa: No, that’s not it!

Louis: You said you wanted to write about true love? For someone that plays with others’ hearts and only thinks about himself… you’ll never be able to write about something like love! No, not of love, and not of anything that could ever touch a person’s heart! Leave my Château immediately… That is my final warning to you.

Louis spares Kitashirakawa one last glare as he leaves.

Munon: Your Highness! Please wait… Your Highness!

Munon chases after Louis. As Kitashirakawa is left on stage by himself, the setting falls into darkness.

[The Story I Wanted to Write]

Kitashirakawa: An empty heart-

And writing to fill it

With the memories of someone other than myself.

And never allowing anyone to read…

The tightly closed            and blank pages               deep in my heart

What I wanted to write

Were the words of the magic I believed in as a child

Adults always spun                         Such kind stories of lies.

What I wanted to write                was the continuation of an unseen dream

But I don’t even know                   the truth of a ‘story’.

And the resulting scratches of pain hidden in my heart…

I never noticed them.

 Scene 11: Château de la Reine (Room 201 and Room 202)

In room 202 of the Château de la Reine, The Tanno couple is going through Kanezawa and Michiru’s baggage.

Mrs. Tanno: Darling, look!

Mr. Tanno: This is amazing! These are all top brand goods!

Mrs. Tanno: What’s this? (She pulls a hair bundle out of the suitcase.)

Mr. Tanno: Isn’t that a wig?

Mrs. Tanno: Gross!! (She tosses it away.)

On the other side of the stage, the Iwanamis are relaxing with some tea from room service.

Mr. Iwanami: No matter how you think about it, this is quite a strange tour. Even if it’s only during the day, being able to stay in such a nice hotel sure is fun. We should really be thankful, don’t you think?

Mrs.  Iwanami: Yes, even though we’re sharing with the Light Tour.

Back to room 202.

Mr. Tanno: Even so, this is exactly the kind of thing that will build up our reputation! *

Mrs. Tanno: Right! With high-end goods to resell, it’s much more efficient than something like card fraud.

Mr. Tanno: Let’s go and sell some of these things in the Jewish shops, then we’ll quickly slip away with no one the wiser.

Mrs. Tanno: Right!

The Tannos begin packing up all the brand goods they’ve found in the room into one suitcase. Meanwhile, in room 201, Mr. Iwanami walks over to the side table and picks some stationary he finds.

Mr. Iwanami: Oh, what’s this? A letter?

Mrs. Iwanami: You know reading other people’s letters without their permission is bad taste.

Mr. Iwanami: You read it too!

Mrs. Iwanami runs her eyes over the stationary her husband hands to her.

Mrs. Iwanami: (as she’s reading) On our journey to Paris… we will also depart on another journey… Dear, is this… is this a suicide note?!

Mr. Iwanami: Yes, it looks like their factory went bankrupt, and they’ve written that they’re hundreds of millions of yen in debt.

Mrs. Iwanami: This is terrible… We have to tell Mr. Togawa right away!

As the stage turns, we see the corridor of the hotel. The Iwanamis exit the door of their room in a hurry.

Mr. Iwanami: Mr. Togawa! Mr. Togawa! It’s terrible!

At the same time, the Tannos are trying to leave their room, causing the two men to run into each other.

Mr. Tanno and Mr. Iwanami: Wah! Gya!

In the collision, the bag that Mr. Tanno was carrying suddenly opens and the goods fall onto the floor. Having heard Mr. Iwanami’s yells, Mr. Togawa approaches.

Togawa: Mr. Iwanami, Mr. Tanno, are you alright?

Mr. Iwanami: Don’t worry about us! Quickly, come here!

The Tannos quickly begin picking up their stolen goods.

Togawa: These brand goods… aren’t these Mr. Kanezawa’s things he left in the room!?

Mr. Iwanami: What!? Then that means?

Togawa: You don’t mean, you two are stealing!?

Mr. Tanno: Damn it!

Mr. Iwanami: (To Togawa) The police! Call the police now!

Togawa: If you need the police, then Mr. Kondo is in room 203…

Mr. Iwanami: Right! (He puts Mr. Tanno into an iron grip)

Mr. Tanno: Ouch! For an old man, how are you this stupidly strong!?

Mr. Iwanami: Whaddya think? Don’t mistake this former navy seal as a sweet old man!

Mrs. Iwanami: Dear! Worry about that later! Hurry, look at this…

Mrs. Iwanami hands the stationary to Togawa.

Togawa: (reading quickly) Is this… a suicide note!? Who wrote this!?

Mrs. Iwanami: It was left in our room. So it definitely belongs to whoever else is staying there!

Togawa: The guest staying in room 203 from the ‘Light Tour’… That’s the Shimodas! What should we do?! Right now, they might be…

Mrs. Iwanami: We have to tell the police now!

Togawa: Then we should go to room 203!

Everyone leaves the stage in a hurry as the ending music plays.

 Scene 12: Palace of Versailles (Gardens)

At a garden in the palace, Kitashirakawa stands alone. Sakurai appears on stage, finding him.

Sakurai: Mr. Kitashirakawa! Just when I thought everyone else had come back, I realized you were gone again. Didn’t you say you were going to cooperate with me?

Kitashirakawa: Is it ok for you to not be watching over the others?

Sakurai: The others are all following Pierre and looking for you. Alright, let’s get back to the group and continue our sightseeing for the day.

Kitashirakawa: Sorry, but… I’m going to go home. Alone.

Sakurai: Are we back at this again? Right now, the ‘Shadow Tour’ members are at the hotel…

Kitashirakawa: I don’t mean go back to my room. If I could just have my baggage collected, I’d like to leave the hotel as soon as possible.

Sakurai: What do you mean?

Kitashirakawa: It’s earlier than planned, but I’m leaving Paris. I know it’s last minute, but could I ask you to help me book a flight?

Sakurai: What…?

Kitashirakawa: You don’t have to worry. I won’t tell anyone about the double booking arrangement. Ah, you can tell the other tour members that I had to leave for some sudden work or something…

Sakurai: But, what about your novel?

Kitashirakawa: My novels… they’re really not important, are they?

Sakurai: Not important!? You said that your career as a writer was hanging in the balance, didn’t you? You said you had to write a masterpiece, right?

Kitashirakawa: Yes, you’re right… But as I am now, I cannot hope to write the masterpiece I wished for…

Sakurai: But… I mean, if you work with that ghost of Louis XIV from earlier…

Kitashirakawa: No, Louis won’t appear to me again. And even if he were here, it doesn’t change the fact that my talent is what’s truly missing.

Sakurai: Saying such self-deprecating things is really not like you. You’re usually walking around with that celeb-aura and brimming with overconfidence?!

Kitashirakawa: Are you… trying to make me feel better?

Sakurai: I’m sorry, I just…

Kitashirakawa: No, it is as you say. I always had confidence in my own talent and believed that I could create any kind of story. But as I have always lived thinking only about myself, how can I even begin to write a story about someone else?

Sakurai: Then, what is your story? Shouldn’t you just write a story about yourself? Actually, I thought about it earlier while listening to the Shimodas’ story. Every person holds within them the words to give another person hope. So, you just have to find them! Those irreplaceable words… your story definitely has them, too.

Kitashirakawa: My story… Could it be that I, as the protagonist, lost sight of my own story?

[A Novel Without a Protagonist]

Kitashirakawa: I wonder when it began?

That I was writing

Such selfish scenarios.

Decorating my words

With only self-recognition-

Of a Celebrity Novelist!                                To distract from

And erase my anxiety…

Sakurai: At some point, I chose without realizing

A journey full of trouble.

On a road without a map

I continued with strength!

When all I really wanted

Was for someone to walk with me.

Kitashirakawa and Sakurai: What vanity-

To walk alone on this road

Like a novel without a protagonist.

Seeking for…     And performing as…

An idealized version of myself.

And even, perhaps,        without realizing            

Hurting                                 someone else

And continuing to search

Kitashirakawa: What I lost sight of…

Sakurai: What I forgot…

Together: The true protagonist

Of my life.

Kitashirakawa: Can I write it someday? My own story that gives someone else hope?

Sakurai: Yes! For someone like me, who’s lost their own way in life…

Suddenly, Sakurai’s phone begins to ring.

Sakurai: (Checking the phone) It’s Togawa. (answers) Hello?

Togawa: (voice) This is terrible! P-Please, calm down and listen!...

Sakurai: I think you should probably calm down first…

Following Pierre, the other members of the ‘Light Tour’ notice Kitashirakawa and Sakurai. Sakurai moves to a separate area to talk.

Kanezawa: Hey! We found ‘em!

Pierre: Oh! We finally found you! We searched everywhere!

Hayami: Sensei! (notices Sakurai) and… Ms. Reiko!? What are the two of you doing!?

Kitashirakawa: What? Nothing in particular?

Michiru: All alone, just the two of you? Suspicious~

Kitashirakawa: There’s nothing suspicious about it!

Sakurai: What did you say!? That can’t be true. They’re right here with everyone else in the ‘Light Tour’ now… (Notices that the Shimodas are missing) Where are the Shimodas?

Pierre: Now that you mention it, I haven’t seen them for a while…

Kitashirakawa: Is something wrong?

Sakurai: (in shock) It seems… a suicide note was found in their room…

All: A suicide note?!

Sakurai: What should I do?... (She begins to put together the signs so far.) Those two, from the beginning… they must have been planning this all along…

Michiru: They’ve gotta be somewhere in the palace?

Kitashirakawa: Why would anyone plan something like that here?

Kanezawa: If it were me, I’d wanna go in the most magnificent place possible!

Kitashirakawa: (amazed) The only one who thinks that way is you. Anyway, we have to find them as quickly as possible! (To Sakurai) The other group of tourists, can we ask them for their help too?

Sakurai: (preparing herself) Yes! Of course we can! I’ll relay the plan to Togawa by phone…

Hayami: What do you mean by the other group of tourists?

Kitashirakawa: Right now, finding the Shimodas comes first! We have to find them before it’s too late!

The intro to the next number begins.

 Scene 13A: The City of Paris

The ‘Light Tour’ members line up in front of the curtain.

[An Extraordinary Search!]

Kitashirakawa: There is no time

For us to waste!

                               All: It’s an emergency!

Kitashirakawa: We’ll succeed with our

Imaginations!

                               All: Where could they be?

Kitashirakawa: Like opening a guide map

Believe in your intuition!

Kanezawa: The Arc du Triomphe or the Eiffel Tower?

Michiru: How about a gorgeous and luxurious opera house?

Kitashirakawa: Those weren’t on the sightseeing course!

Sakurai: If it’s a forest then the Boulogne             or Vincennes

Hayami: How about the Montparnasse Cemetery?

Pierre: Notre Dame could be suspect, too!

Kitashirakawa: We’ll have to find them ourselves!

All: Let’s go through the city of Paris

On an Extraordinary search!

Let’s go through the city of Paris

On an Extraordinary search!

Kitashirakawa: Hurry!

The Light Tour members break off into pairs to search and exit the stage in different directions: Kitashirakawa and Sakurai, Kanezawa and Michiru, and Hayami and Pierre.

 Scene 13B: Château de la Reine (Room 203)

The curtain rises to reveal room 203 of the Château de la Reine. The Tannos have been handcuffed. The music fades into BGM.

Kondo: It was lucky we were on the same tour. I’ll be taking these two back to Japan to face responsibility for their actions.

Mr. Tanno: Are you stupid?

Kondo: What’d you say!?

Mr. Tanno: Don’t you know that a Japanese policeman has no right to arrest people in another country?

Kondo: I dunno anything like that! All I know is when I see a criminal in front of me, I arrest ‘em!

Crayon: Kya~! Mako-chan, you’re so cool! … Even if what you’re saying is a bit unreasonable…

Togawa: Forget all that, we should hurry to help in the search for the Shimodas!

Mr. Iwanami: That’s right! What about the ‘Light Tour’?

Togawa: They’ve split up and are visiting famous places!

Mr. Iwanami: Then, we should also split up and search…

Mrs. Iwanami: But, I have no idea where in Paris someone might want to commit a lovers’ suicide!

Suddenly, the light in the room disappears as Louis’s voice sounds.

Louis: Lovers’ suicide?!

Crayon: (clinging to Kondo) What… what was that voice? Scary!!!

Kondo: Quite clinging to me so suddenly!

Stepping out from the painting, Louis and Munon appear.

Louis: First daring to deceive me, and then finding thieves amongst your allies… Does your shame know no end?! And now you dare to bring about death upon my territory!? I will not allow it!

Togawa: Um, excuse me but, what… are you?

Kondo: (To Crayon) Friend of yours?

Crayon: I dunno this guy!

Louis: Silence, now! Before it is too late, hurry and find those poor souls!

Togawa: But… where should we start looking?

Louis: Must I do everything!? Munon! You will be the leader.

Munon: Yes!

Louis: Come people, follow!

Everyone hurriedly follows Louis from the room. The hotel employees enter the stage from all sides.

Duran: The customer is in trouble!

Workers: The Hotel is in trouble, too!

Duran: What an unprecedented incident!

Workers: Brought to light by the double booking…

All: We need to find a solution!

To protect the Château de la Reine’s

Pride!

Louis and the Shadow Tour members appear on the bridge.

Louis: Now, continue to follow                                                                                                                      Shadow Tour: Being led by the Sun King

You selfish monkeys!                                                                                                                                              On a search!

These Japanese tourists-                                                                                                                         Let’s go through the city of Paris

In my country!                                                                                                                                            On an extraordinary search!

These kinds of actions                                                                                                                             An interesting collaboration

I will never                                                                                                                                                   Let’s go through the city of Paris

Allow them!                                                                                                                                                 On an Extraordinary search!

 Scene 13C: The City of Paris (2)

As people come and go in the city, the Light Tour members run into them, causing a racket.

Kitashirakawa: Well, how’d it go?!

Hayami: We didn’t find them!

Kanezawa: We got nothin’ too. I give up.

Kitashirakawa: Aren’t there any clues? You were all with them all last night, weren’t you?

Michiru: Now that you mention it…

Sakurai: Do you have an idea?

Michiru: Hey, Pierre… Didn’t the wife ask you something? Like ‘what’s the most beautiful and quiet place’ or something?

Kitashirakawa: Why didn’t anyone say that earlier!? Hayami, you were there too, weren’t you!?

Hayami: I’m afraid I drank too must last night, my memory is…

Kitashirakawa: Miserable! Well then, what did you tell her?

Pierre: Oh! I remember! The Basilique du Sacré-Cœur!

Sakurai: The Sacred Heart Temple in Montmartre!

Kitashirakawa: Alright, let’s hurry!

All the members run off stage, forcing their way through the people, ending the scene.

 Scene 14: Montmartre- The Sacred Heart Temple

Montmartre at nighttime. The stage changes to the gardens in front of the Sacred Heart Temple. A chanson singer carrying an accordion appears on stage, singing.

[Chanson]

Accordion player: As your silhouette continues to dance

My memories disappear into a dream

Those happy days are naught but nostalgia

In a phantom-like dream.

The Shimodas appear amongst other random couples, seeming confused.

Mrs. Shimoda: Darling, aren’t you cold?

Mr. Shimoda: I’m not cold, but… I’m scared. You?

Mrs. Shimoda: No, not at all.

Mr. Shimoda: But… we’re going to die?

Mrs. Shimoda: But I’m together with you.

Mr. Shimoda: Did you bring it? The hydrocyanic acid?

Mrs. Shimoda pulls a small bottle from her bag.

Mrs. Shimoda: Even the specialists don’t have this, do this?

Mr. Shimoda: It’s an old product from our factory… but it finally has some use.

Mrs. Shimoda: Look, darling, how beautiful this place is…

Mr. Shimoda: Being able to spend the last moments of our life in a place like this… is a blessing.

Mrs. Shimoda: Yes, dear.

The couple moves to sit down on the bench. Trying to hide her tears, Mrs. Shimoda turns away to hide her face.

Mr. Shimoda: Fusako?

Mrs. Shimoda forces herself to smile before turning back to him.

Mr. Shimoda: I told you, didn’t I? You don’t have to force yourself to smile. Whether you laugh or cry… these are our last moments together…

Suddenly, following Kitashirakawa, the members of the Light Tour appear.

Sakurai: You’re here! Mr. Shimoda!

Mr. Shimoda: You all…!

Kitashirakawa: Thank goodness, we made it! Now, let’s go back to the hotel…

Kitashirakawa begins to approach the couple.

Mr. Shimoda: Please don’t come any closer!

Kitashirakawa: Mr. Shimoda. I heard about the note you two left. That managing your factory took a turn for the worse, and you’ve been left in a great amount of debt…

Mr. Shimoda: Then, you understand! So please, allow us to die in peace, together…

Louis and the Shadow Tour members arrive on stage.

Louis: I will not allow any death here! Do you have no pride in your own lives? In this peaceful world, while being allowed to live freely- you would dare to not only throw away your own life, but the life of your beloved as well?

Mr. Iwanami looks at the Shimodas in surprise.

Mr. Iwanami: Y-You two…!

Mr. Shimoda: Mr. Iwanami!

Mrs. Shimoda: Sensei…

Sakurai: Do you know each other?

Mr. Iwanami: In a way… They were my students. You mean to say… you were the ones who left that note?

Mr. Iwanami begins to approach the Shimodas.

Mrs. Shimoda: Please stop! Please just… look away for a bit. Please…

Sakurai: Ms. Fusako… What was it you said before? In painful times, or in sad times, you have to smile and live for someone? Isn’t that what you told us? You said that those words gave you hope. Even so… are you saying you would choose to die like this?

Hearing Sakurai’s words, Mr. Iwanami’s facial expression looks shocked and pained.

Mr. Iwanami: Koji… Fusako… Forgive me!

Mr. Iwanami bows deeply to the couple.

Mrs. Shimoda: Sensei!

Mr. Shimoda: Please stop! Why are you apologizing…

Mr. Iwanami: I… just wanted to offer poor children a chance at equal education! I wanted you to survive- to live despite the circumstances of the environment you were born in… But in the end, it seems like I was unable to teach you anything at all…

Mrs. Shimoda: Sensei, please… raise your head. It was because your words encouraged us that we were even able to get this far!

Mr. Shimoda: Fusako…

Kitashirakawa: Mr. Shimoda. You are not the only ones dealing with misfortune. Surely everyone is doing their best to live while holding their difficulties in their heart…

Sakurai: I was also unable to properly manage my company. But… in order to protect myself, I did something much more terrible than you!

Kanezawa: For me, well money ain’t really a problem, but… I’ve got worries I can’t tell people about… (He touches a hand to his wig)

Kondo: For me, I haven’t had a girlfriend in thirty years!

Hayami: Forty-two years single!

Crayon: And I’m an okama!

Kitashirakawa: And I… hurt someone. I realized that I had lost something important as a person. But it’s something that the two of you have never forgotten! And that is how to care for someone. Even if you think that your lives have no value… to me, it’s something I can never capture in words alone… an irreplaceable story!

Mr. Iwanami: Koji Shimoda! Fusako!

The Shimodas: Yes!

Mr. Iwanami: Smile. No matter what, smile! This is the only life you get, so if you smile and laugh together… you can go on living!

The Shimodas: Ha… hahaha… (they begin to cry while laughing)

The other members of the group all begin laughing as well. As dusk falls in the sky, the Japanese tourists’ strange crying-laughter fills the air. Louis’s expression changes, as if he’s realized something, and he and Munon exit the stage. As the scene ends, the light fades.

 Scene 15: The City of Paris  - Places des Vosges

On the way back to the hotel, Kitashirakawa begins to sing.

[Kitashirakawa’s Song ~ Sakurai’s Song]

Kitashirakawa: I couldn’t even manage the easy things,

And every time I lost my way-

I hid my face and watched you from far away.

If I could laugh for someone

If I could laugh for myself

Then surely, I can follow my heart forward

To the person who’s smiling face I most wish to see.

During the musical interlude, the background setting changes.

1. Crayon and Kondo

Crayon runs on stage crying, followed by a confused/angry looking Kondo.

Crayon: U-Uwaaaa!!!...

Kondo: You were laughing a moment ago- why are you suddenly crying so much!?

Crayon: I just remembered when I was dumped… It feels like… I’ll never meet anyone who could possibly love me!... Uuuhuu…

Kondo: Don’t cry! Kuroiwa Gentarou.

Crayon: But… the more I try to laugh… the more miserable I feel…

Kondo: If that’s the case, then smile for me instead.

Crayon: …What?

Kondo: When you’re sad like this, I start feeling sad too…

Crayon: Mako-chan!!

Crayon runs over and tries to give Kondo an intense kiss. Kondo struggles and tries to push Crayon away, but then they face each other and Kondo kisses Crayon instead.

2. Kanezawa, Michiru, and the Tannos

Kanezawa: So ya’ll are the thieves who’ve run card scams around the world, huh?

The Tannos: …

Kanezawa: How ‘bout it? Ya’ll leave that rotten lifestyle behind and come work for me?

Mr. Tanno: What do you mean?

Kanezawa: Ya’ll’s language proficiencies and fearlessness are just a bonus! I’m saying come to Vegas and be the general managers of my casino!

Michiru: Papa!

Mrs. Tanno: In Las Vegas??

Mr. Tanno: General managers?

Kanezawa: A’ight, let’s go talk it over.

Kanezawa and Michiru get the Tannos to follow them offstage. The background music changes for Sakurai’s song.

Sakurai: The important things I forgot

When I became an adult…

Every time I lost sight of myself                I kept running

With no place to go.

If I could laugh for someone

If I could laugh for myself

Then I should be able to live

Following the truth of my heart

To the person who I most want to show a smile to…

As the music fades to background, Sakurai exit the stage.

 Scene 16: Château de la Reine (Courtyard Entrance)

Under the moonlight in the courtyard of the hotel, Kitashirakawa happens upon the still, thinking form of Louis.

Kitashirakawa: Louis…

Louis: It seems like you dared to return to this Château anyway.

Kitashirakawa: Once I gather my things, I’ll leave immediately. But- there’s something I want you to hear. I had no intention of deceiving you! I truly, honestly thought that I could bring you and Diana together again. But now I understand, because I didn’t take your sadness and pain seriously, there’s no way I could ever write about something like ‘true love’. But now… I feel like I understand the pain you’ve felt…

Kitashirakawa turns to enter the hotel.

Louis: Wait. Well, I can be patient for a few more days. Patience is a virtue after all… Really, when it comes to you… You really pile up trivial matters and create quite a big fuss of it all. There are many things you do that are foolish. But… what was even more foolish was that I did not truly understand what I had learned from you.

Kitashirakawa: Louis?

Louis: I realized I had forgotten how to laugh. For Diana and our son…

Petit Louis: (voice) Maman! Tell me about Papa!

Diana: (voice) Your father… is a true hero.

Petit Louis: (voice) But… why isn’t he here with us?

Diana: (voice) Your father is the Sun King who illuminates all of France. Even when he cannot be by our side, he still loves us very much.

Louis: I finally realized… that their voices were always full of laughter…

Diana and Petit Louis: (laughing)

Looking up at the moon, Louis smiles softly as the sound of Diana and Petit Louis’s laughter lift his spirits.

Louis: I finally feel as though I can truly meet Diana again. And… I’m looking forward to reading it- the novel about me.

Kitashirakawa: Is… it ok for me to write about you?

Louis: As long as you portray me as an exceptionally ‘good handsome man’, of course.

Kitashirakawa: Ha, I wonder how it’ll turn out?

Kitashirakawa, Sakurai, and Louis come together.

All three: If I could laugh for someone

If I could laugh for myself

Then surely I can meet the one I love from the bottom of my heart.

The person who’s smiling face I most wish to see…

The person who I most want to show a smile to…

 Scene 17: Château de la Reine (Courtyard Entrance)

The next morning, in the opening of the hotel people begin to appear: Kanezawa and Michiru, Kondo and Crayon, and Duran. Some hotel staff follow, carrying everyone’s bags.

Duran: Oh! Monsieur Kanezawa! Is there nothing we can do to thank you for investing in the future management of the Château de la Reine?

Kanezawa: I don’t need no thank yous. Vegas may be my base, but it’s always been my dream to have hotels all over the world.

Crayon: A hotel in Vegas sounds amazing! (To Kondo) It’d be perfect for our wedding~

Kondo: W-Wedding!?

The Tanno and Shimoda couples appear.

Mr. Shimoda: Mr. Kanezawa, what is the meaning of this? I was just told that you’ve taken over our entire debt?!

Mr. Tanno: Seems like everyone here’s been hired by Kanezawa.

Mrs. Tanno: Mrs. Shimoda! Let’s go to Las Vegas together!

Kanezawa: If ya’ll were managin’ a factory all on your own, then you’re like- really good with mechanics, right? To build up my casino in Vegas, I need an advisor who understands all that state-of-the-art stuff.

Mrs. Shimoda: But…

Togawa and the Iwanamis appear.

Mr. Iwanami: Shouldn’t you just gratefully accept?

Mrs. Shimoda: Iwanami-sensei!

Mr. Iwanami: Mr. Kanezawa, I can personally vouch for these two’s personalities. (To the Shimodas) Now then, give him a proper reply.

Upon Iwanami’s words, the Shimodas gather their determination.

Mr. Shimoda: Although we are not worthy of your kindness, we humbly accept!

Kanezawa: Hey hey hey…

Mrs. Iwanami: Doesn’t it sound like you’re replying to a marriage proposal?

Togawa: Everyone! It’s about time to go! The car has arrived in the plaza!

While everyone exits the stage, Kanezawa is left with a relaxed looking Michiru.

Kanezawa: Hey, what’s wrong Michiru?

Michiru: Do you have no intention of saying anything to me?

Kanezawa: Say… something to you?

Michiru: Maybe a ‘proposal’ like what you said to those people just now…

Kanezawa: Michiru… I… I ain’t good enough to marry you. There’s something I been hiding from you…

Michiru: It really doesn’t matter to me. If you’re talking about the lie you’ve told about your looks…

Kanezawa: Michiru!? You… knew?

Michiru: For a while now.

Kanezawa: But is it really alright? Marryin’ someone like me?

Michiru: Did you really think I’d hate you for something like that?

Kanezawa: Michiru!!

Michiru: Papa!

Kanezawa holds Michiru close, kissing her passionately. As the door opens behind them, Kitashirakawa appears.

Kitashirakawa: Ugh! Why did have to see that first thing in the morning??

Kanezawa: Hey bro! Listen! Michiru and I are gonna get married!

Kanezawa: Well, congratulations on that. But, shouldn’t you look in the mirror before you do such a thing?

Kanezawa: Why?

Kitashirakawa: You’re crooked. (Indicating his wig)

Kanezawa: C-Crooked!?.... Crooked!?!

Kanezawa, looking horrified, runs off stage.

Michiru: Papa! Wait!

Michiru runs after Kanezawa off stage. Hayami appears.

Hayami: (Finishing reading the novel) Amazing… To write an entire novel of this caliber in less than a week… Sensei truly is a genius… No, a master…

Kitashirakawa: I changed the title as well. The new title is “The Queen’s Château”.

Hayami: Amazing! To create such a hypothesis that King Louis XIV’s true love lived here- and that she was the true Queen of his heart!

Kitashirakawa: Well, even so…

Hayami: Weaving the intricacies of the non-fiction tale of our real-life double booking and a fiction retelling of the ghost of Louis XIV… A story of love that transcends the boundaries of time! Make no mistake, this will become an instant best seller!

Kitashirakawa: Even though everything was actually non-fiction…

Hayami: Did you say something?

Kitashirakawa: No, just thinking out loud…

Hayami: You don’t need to worry. I’ll be editing this on the plane ride home!

As Hayami goes to leave, Pierre appears in front of her.

Hayami: Pierre!...

Pierre: Madame! Are you really… returning to Japon?

Hayami: Pierre, forgive me… I am truly… a terrible woman who can only live for her work!

Hayami runs away from Pierre.

Pierre: Ma chérie! At least let me embrace you one last time!...

Pierre chases after Hayami.

Kitashirakawa: (Speaking to himself) So even Hayami experienced such a miracle…?

Gradually, Sakurai also appears in front of Kitashirakawa, gazing up at the sky.

Sakurai: Ah, Mr. Kitashirakawa, you were still here?

Kitashirakawa: Yes, I just wanted to enjoy the scenery here one last time.

Kitashirakawa looks up to the sky, and Sakurai follows his line of sight.

Sakurai: You can see the sun and the moon together in the dawn sky…

Kitashirakawa: They were finally able to meet, the sun and the moon…  I heard from Togawa. You’re closing your travel agency?

Sakurai: Yes. I need to start over from the beginning. The double booking was just too much.

Kitashirakawa: So you’re graduating from being a shabby tour guide, too?

Sakurai: Rude.

Kitashirakawa: I’m joking. So, what are you planning to do?

Sakurai: I haven’t decided yet. I think I need to take some time to really figure myself out first. You?

Kitashirakawa: Same as usual- I’ll be writing novels and chased by the pressure of deadlines.

Sakurai: I’ll be looking forward to it. The novel about your own story, like you said.

Kitashirakawa: Right.

Sakurai: Well then, I should be getting to the customers…

Sakurai begins to leave in the direction of the others.

Kitashirakawa: Actually! I have… a favor to ask of you…

Sakurai: (Stops, turning back)…

Kitashirakawa: When we get back to Japan… I’d like to interview you.

Sakurai: Me? … But, why?

Kitashirakawa: I can’t write a story with just the protagonist alone, right? So, I want to interview you… the one who reminded me of what’s important.

[Duet]

Kitashirakawa: Filled with undecorated words

Like monthly novels

Full of overflowing feelings

And interspersed with silence

Everything felt like an incomplete story.

Naturally, I was overwhelmed by this miracle.

Although I’m clumsy,

I want to move forward as myself

And grow with the passing of the seasons.

Sakurai: Even if I unexpectedly remember sadness

I don’t want to forget how to smile.

Towards an unknown world,

I will not hesitate            when it’s time for that new journey.

Together: The story you write

I want to watch over it with kindness.

Using the words we believed in

Together, we can pass on

Our new story that starts now.

 Scene 18: Versailles (Gardens)

After the song, the hotel area of the stage rises to reveal the fantasy-like gardens of Versailles. Meeting again at long last, Louis and Diana embrace each other. Nearby, Petit Louis and Munon watch them happily.

Kitashirakawa, embarrassed, offers his hand to Sakurai. The two leave hand in hand, with Louis, Diana, Petit Louis, and Munon watching after them. The curtain falls.

The end.

[makalations-blog]

Translation: Graph 03.2017

Hey there. In the March Graph, there’s a 2 page special called “Ima-Kore” basically meaning, “Right now I’m into this thing” and four people (one in each corner) get to introduce what they’re into right now. 

The bottom right corner was Makaze this time. So please enjoy her weirdness. You can find the magazine here.

Graph 03.2017

*Now* I’m into ~This~

 This! 1 (A picture of her with her douki)

The three classmates in Soragumi!

Christmas day was Akari-chan’s (Matsukaze’s) birthday, so we had a celebration together! I thought we were able to take quite a good picture together so… I posted it here (laughs).

 This! 2

(some special kind of chicken) Eggs

On the Takarazuka Sky Stage New Year’s Special event, I played a game with Serika-chan (Serika Toa) and Makko-tsuan (Makoto Rei) and I was the victor! The prize was related to the year of the Rooster, so an eggs and rice set. And it was…. Soooooo delicious!! I think it was the best I’ve ever eaten! I even gave Akari-chan some for her birthday!

 This! 3

Cleaning hard-to-reach areas

Usually I often work on cleaning my house, but recently I’ve been focusing on hard-to-reach places like the window panes and under the washing machine, etc. So I’m attacking places you wouldn’t normally touch. I was cleaning the panes of the window with a pressurized spray, but… the liquid ran out before I was done! The last 15 or so centimeters are still dirty! I want to finish cleaning it as soon as possible!! And the washing machine… even though I only got it about six months ago, I cleaned out so much hidden trash and clumps of dust! Everyone… why don’t you try cleaning it, too? (laughs)

 This! 4

Music at Night

Recently, I’ve been listening to ‘healing’ music while reading books before going to bed. I feel like watching TV or playing on the cellphone before bed isn’t so good. So you can turn down the lights and relax by lighting some candles and calming your heart before bed.

 This! 5

Harry Potter Series

I have really neglected this series of 6 (see Note at the end) books and movies. But I watched them all over the winter holidays with the especially enthusiastic Harry Potter otaku of Sora-gumi, Sumire-chan (Sorahane?). Thanks to her, I was finally able to completely catch up with it. (laughs)

 Note: Ok, ok. We all know there are *7* books in the Harry Potter series. I stared at the page long enough to make sure that what was typed was 6 and not *7*.

It could be a typo on Graph’s part. Or Makaze could have been mistaken. Or, as might be relevant to point out, in Japan longer books tend to be divided into smaller books (in order to be easier to carry around on trains, etc). As the later books which are rather large come in pieces, it could be that it was just a simple mistake due to there being a possibly larger number in Japan?

Honestly, I dunno what happened here- but yeah. It says 6. I dunno~~~

[makalations-blog]

Translation: Marisol 1.1.2017

Hello. Sorry for not being around. There’s not really a good reason for it. But anyway. 

You may have seen a link floating around to an online interview Makaze did with the magazine Marisol. You can see it here. If you read the translation (available below the cut), then please click through the link to give the proper page views on her article (and see the nice picture.)

Thanks for your support. It’s short, but please enjoy. Apologies for any inaccuracies.

Cosmos Troupe, Makaze Suzuho

“Separating from my ‘role’ (on stage), and resetting to myself. Spending time in my home is very important.” (Happy times for Takarazuka stars!)

2017 January 11

The stars who provide dreams and enriched experiences to the audience. For those women, how do they spend their time happily? Let’s take a peek at the true face you can’t see on the stage!

Changing between “on” and “off” in a short time, having my own way gives me peace of mind

Even among the mix of otokoyaku in Sora-gumi, her especially beautiful frame of long legs, shoulders and broad back is rare. Standing like a beautiful flower, she draws you into the story with her deep, delicate and expressive power- an otokoyaku star who truly pierces the heart of the viewer!

For Makaze Suzuho, her “happy time” is… spending time in her home.

“Before a show, there’s usually a succession of late nights for rehearsals, so during those times my lifestyle becomes- I just go home to sleep. However, having a few hours of leisure before sleeping is important to me. Since I can’t relax in a messy room, during those busy periods I clean up easily in the mornings before going out. Recently, I have a plant known as Sansevieria, and a few other plants in my house. They grow well without me having to do much (laughs), I think it really shows the healing effects of greenery (plants).”

Immediately after coming home while relaxing, how do you reset yourself after your day?

“I used to often have days where I would spend my time only considering my work on stage and nothing else. However, overthinking it really wears me down, as I learned through those very ‘driven’ experiences, so I have to pull myself away from my ‘role’, and I began to think that it would be good to focus on other things as well. Even for a short time, I’ll watch the news on TV, listen to some music that has nothing to do with work, reset the feelings and thoughts in my head, take a bath and eventually fall asleep. Just before properly going to bed, I’ll review any lines I was worried about that day. While it makes me seem rather timid, this is what relaxes me, and then I can sleep happily. There’s also the theory that your memories settle while you sleep (laughs). “

It’s been more than ten years since you began performing on stage. From the experience you’ve accumulated, do you have any thoughts, not only about yourself, but about Takarazuka as a whole.

“The words I received from upper-classmen, even the difficult/strict things, they’ve all eventually become a source of power for me. Now that I’ve become an upperclassman, I realize the true difficulty behind saying things that aren’t easy, and there seems to be a trend of raising people through only praise nowadays. However, in order to create performances that truly move people’s hearts, you need the difficult things too, and growth only comes at the end of intense training. For over a hundred years now, upperclassmen have spared no effort in explaining/telling that form of love to the underclassmen, and I think that’s “Takarazuka”… I also want to continue to appreciate the importance of that kind of “Takarazuka”.”

[makalations-blog]

(Special) Translation: Graph, with Sienne

This is a special translation in that... this is actually with Kurenai Yuzuru! But since she talks about Makaze and seeing her Vampire Succession show, I decided to translate it and put it up. It’s pretty amusing. 

Unfortunately, I can’t remember if this is from September or October... if you know, please let me know :) Otherwise, please enjoy!

With Sienne – Kurenai Yuzuru

 On a day off during a Tokyo show, I went to see “Vampire Succession” starring Yurika (Makaze Suzuho) at the KAAT Theater in Kanagawa. Before it started, I decided to aimlessly wander around and entered a convenience store near the theater, but the shop was full of just Takarazuka fans… So then I told that story to Yurika later and she scolded me like, “Think about where you are!”

So I was like, “Oh yeah, you’re right. I should just go during intermission or something, huh?”

Then she got angry again like, “You don’t understand at all!!”

Right after that we took this picture as commemoration (laughs). The show had some really hilarious scenes, and I was excited to see how much Yurika had grown since transferring troupes. There’s such a gap between her cool-casual moments and her adorable smiling face… I think I really understand how her fans feel now (laughs)

[makalations-blog]

Translation: Kageki October 2016 About Me...

Hello. Long time no see~ How’ve you all been? Sorry I disappeared for a while.

Here’s a recent interview Makaze did in the October Kageki entitled “About Me”. You can find it here. 

You can read the interview under the cut. Let me know what you think! 

2016.10 Kageki “About Me”

 Name: Suzuho Makaze

Troupe: Takarazuka Theater Sora-gumi

April 2004 – Entered the Takarazuka Music School

March 2006 – Graudated TMS

March 2006 – Officially joined Takarazuka

May 2006 – Joined Hoshi-gumi

May 2015 – Transferred to Sora-gumi

 Something You’re Into Recently:

I don’t really have anything I’m ‘into’. So, I feel like I never really have an answer to this question. (laughs) Especially if you specific recently… I’ve always enjoyed things like hot  springs and scented goods. I’ve got a lot of aroma oils and diffusers, etc. at home. But I don’t really have a desire to ‘collect’ anything. I tend to only keep things that I absolutely need in my room – I don’t even have any stuffed animals or anything.

 Your Strength:

I never rush things. I’m blood type B and I think that I’m a very ‘my pace’ kind of person. (laughs) I think that is also often listed as a shortcoming, but on the flip side, I think that being ‘my pace’ means you’re not hasty. Even during times that some people may panic or feel trapped, I can easily remind myself ‘don’t panic’ no matter what. Or, for example, if I don’t like something, I can just say I don’t like it right away.

 Your Shortcoming;

Like I said about my previously mentioned strength, being ‘my pace’ can also be a shortcoming. When I’m talking with people, I tend to jump from topic to topic, even if it seems like I’m following one train of thought in my own head. (laughs) Also, I tend to eat too fast. After having to eat quickly during small breaks for so long, it has become a habit. So I would like to eat more calmly.

 Your Specialty:

I can fall asleep really fast! I can actually fall asleep in an instant. Well, lately people keep telling me that so… I guess it’s true. (laughs)

 Performing the Role of “Franz” in Elisabeth

We just recently finished performing this show in Takarazuka city. It’s a production that has been repeated many times, so I think everyone is well-acquainted with the role of Franz but… the chance to perform the span of one person’s entire life- from their youth to their older years- it’s an experience you don’t often get. There’s really so much for me to learn from it.

Regarding some of the difficulties I had at the beginning of preparing for the role… Of course, Elisabeth is the heroine of this production, so the Hapsburg family is presented as an expression of how she sees them… so Franz, too, becomes an image of “the Franz as seen through Elisabeth’s eyes”. But for Franz, there was also “his own” correct version of himself. I wanted to approach him from that side as well. Finding that balance was difficult.

In the later half of the story, there are some scenes that allow his personality to come out a bit more easily but… in the first half, he’s quite an incongruous figure. So working backwards from the second half of the play, I tried to create the character bit by bit.

This show is also considered a masterpiece in regards to the music composition. So, you could say I had to re-learn how to interact with and face the music as a performer. Even after all my years and experiences, I’ve had to re-learn so many things… and we still have the Tokyo run coming up as well. But I think it would be great if I could still manage to increase my range as a performer with this role. I’m very happy that I’ve been granted a role that offers these opportunities.

 Comparison: Please Compare What You Expected of Your Future Self as an Underclassman, and How You are Now as an Upperclassman:

 It’s completely different. Or maybe it’s more apt to say that, when I was ken-1 or 2… well, now I’m ken-11 but… at that time, thinking of a time where I would be ken-10 or 11… it was like, there was never room in my life for that. Because my daily life was so frantic… (laughs)

But at that time, upperclassmen who were around ken-11 like I am now, they were such charismatic presences, like gods really, to me. So when I remember that, I kind of wonder, “Uh, is how I am now really ok?” (laughs)

There’s so much I don’t understand, so much I can’t do, so many things I worry about… Even while I impose on people everyday, whenever I see the underclassmen fighting through their troubles, I feel like I want to protect that tradition of Takarazuka. So I feel like, “I have to fight hard too!”

Last year, when I was ken-10, which is considered an important milestone for otokoyaku, I really felt that way a lot. During my time in shinjin koens, well I still feel this way even now but, I always felt like my skills weren’t enough, so I had to practice more and more, more than humanly possible, repeating the practice dozens and dozens of times all the time… or so it seemed.

After graduating from shinjin koens, and entering a career of only main shows, it was as if some space opened up, and I became aware that something inside of me had developed through that difficult time. For me to be as a “person” on stage, is all thanks to the things I learned from the upperclassmen back then. Now, I feel that, as an upperclassman myself, I want to carry on those ideas.

 Something That Affected You Recently: (lit: shook your heart)

 The Olympics were held in the summer this year, and I’d often watch the rehearsal footage on TV. I had this feeling that growth only truly happens when accompanied with difficulty and suffering. Or maybe it’s better to say that without suffering (difficulty), there is no growth (improvement).

I feel like that saying applies to my own accomplishments, so I thought again about how to face my own “art”, and I felt quite inspired. Anyone involved in any kind of competition could say the same but… even when you ache from failure, your soul can still be strong no matter where you go. Like how they (the Olympic performers) stand strong and beautiful no matter what… Seeing them, I felt struck by that image, and I felt like I’d also like to somehow inspire those feelings in people, which I really appreciated.

Physically speaking, I don’t think I can actually directly help people in a literal sense, but… For example, recently when my home in Kumamoto was affected by the earthquake, I kept thinking about what I, as a performer, could even possibly do to help… It might be presumptuous to assume that I could do anything at all, but my heart was full of the idea “Maybe I could do something like this?” (referring to the inspiration she felt from watching the Olympic performers)

 Next Show: The Hot Flower of Valencia/ Hot Eyes!!

 I saw the “Valencia” that Yamato-san starred in, but at that time it had the presence of good old-fashioned Takarazuka and I remember thinking, “Wow, what a truly wonderful production!”

I really love Spanish style dancing as well, so I’m really looking forward to that! (laughs)

The role I’m playing, Ramon is a somewhat darker Latin man… I suppose he’s kind of the antithesis of the role I’m playing now, Franz Joseph. I’m looking forward to starting rehearsals for it.

And Hot Eyes!! has a very modern feeling- so I think that with these two shows together, we can offer the audiences around the country a varied and exciting experience!

 What Do You Want to Try on Stage in the Future?

 I said this earlier but, like now performing Franz, I’m really enjoying the challenge of portraying a character over the course of their entire life. So I feel excited to be able to attempt even more different roles in the future. Like recently, things like a Vampire that isn’t quite human… (laughs) I was very happy with that role.

I feel like I’ve received a variety of roles, but I truly want to be a performer who can properly walk through the life of any role I receive- from villains to dashing heroes.

[makalations-blog]

UPDATE: I have been informed that you can, in fact, order calendars on things like cdjapan and the Taka-an store via rakuten! So. You have those options as well. :) 

Calendars

Hello! I come with a strange, not translation post for you today. 

As I’m sure you all know, calendars will be coming out in a few months. I know some people have expressed wanting one, but I don’t believe they are available anywhere with international shipping. (I might be wrong?)

The calendar in question would be: Makaze’s version. Approx 8 pages. B4 size. 700 yen. Release date November 18.

Hence, I would like to offer calendar orders for (only) Makaze’s wall calendar. If you are interested, please message me before October 15th including how many you would like and what country you would need it shipped to. 

You would be responsible for paying the cost of:  -the calendar (700 yen) -shipping (depends on country of destination, average 200-400 yen with optional 400 yen tracking number) will be calculated with this website -the envelope (100 yen). Please keep in mind that it would take time for me to procure, pack, and ship out the calendars- so the likelihood you would be receiving it weeks after the initial release date (ie: into December or possibly early January) is high.

Let’s support Makaze by buying lots of calendars! :) Thank you~

[makalations-blog]

Calendars

Hello! I come with a strange, not translation post for you today. 

As I’m sure you all know, calendars will be coming out in a few months. I know some people have expressed wanting one, but I don’t believe they are available anywhere with international shipping. (I might be wrong?)

The calendar in question would be: Makaze’s version. Approx 8 pages. B4 size. 700 yen. Release date November 18.

Hence, I would like to offer calendar orders for (only) Makaze’s wall calendar. If you are interested, please message me before October 15th including how many you would like and what country you would need it shipped to. 

You would be responsible for paying the cost of:  -the calendar (700 yen) -shipping (depends on country of destination, average 200-400 yen with optional 400 yen tracking number) will be calculated with this website -the envelope (100 yen). Please keep in mind that it would take time for me to procure, pack, and ship out the calendars- so the likelihood you would be receiving it weeks after the initial release date (ie: into December or possibly early January) is high.

Let’s support Makaze by buying lots of calendars! :) Thank you~

[makalations-blog]

Update (again)

Hello... again. 

I apologize for the lack of translations recently. There hasn’t been much new stuff. And I haven’t had the energy to attempt older things. I’m sorry.

Unfortunately, I do not think I will be attempting “Elisabeth” for various reasons. Although as I believe there are already a few English translations floating about, I don’t think anyone will suffer haha. 

I thought about attempting Vampire Succession... but as there is no script I would have to do it all by ear. I’m not good at by-ear. So that may or may not happen. 

Thank you for your patience and support. A lot of people have followed this blog. I’m partially surprised, but also really happy. I’ll try to get something up for you soon. Hope everyone is well and enjoying the Sora-gumi Elisabeth season. 

[makalations-blog]

Update

Hello everyone. Sorry it’s been a while. To my knowledge, Makaze hasn’t had any big interviews come out lately (magazine wise). My summer break is coming up, so I might try to tackle the pile of old Graphs I have with some of her articles. 

Otherwise, I have a (weird?) question. As you all know, SoraElisabeth starts next week in Mura (where has the time gone?). So far I’ve translated the scripts for Song for Kingdoms and Shakespeare since starting this blog. However, I’m pretty sure some English translations of “Elisabeth” already exist out somewhere in the internet. 

That being said, I’d like to know if you’d particularly want/like me to attempt translating it anyway once the LeCinq is out. I’ll make this post reply-able if you’d like to say your opinion. Otherwise I’ll see you when I’ve got something new for you to read.

Hence: Question Marks???

[makalations-blog]

Translation: Eclat July 2016

Hi again. 

Here is an interview that Makaze and Asaka Manato did for the Eclat Magazine July issue. It ended up being more of Asaka-san talking, buuuut that’s ok.

Enjoy!

eclat July 2016 Takarazuka: Special Interview - Asaka Manato and Makaze Suzuho [We want to show the appeal of the stage we love!]

Manato Blurb: To those seeing Takarazuka for the first time, we want to offer an amazing experience!

Makaze Blurb: You can't grow by only having fun. All of my difficult experiences  have become part of my strength.

Their first experience with Takarazuka was during junior high school as the National Tour visited their hometowns. The presence of the splendorous otokoyaku is what makes watching Takarazuka so amazing. The people who go on to become the stars of Takarazuka... how did they spend their childhood?

Manato: I attended the elementary school associated with Kunitachi University in Saga Prefecture. In order to continue on through the associated junior high school, there was an extrance exam- so, I studied really hard. But I liked "learning" more than I liked "studying". As per my mother's direction, when I was about three, I started classes for ballet, piano, and penmanship. They were all really fun.

Makaze: I mainly played with the neighborhood kids, climbing trees and running around outside full of energy. I was kind of a wild child. Chasing each other through the housing complexes on our bikes was fun. (laughs) I was just an elementary kid from Kumamoto that had no idea something like Takarazuka even existed.

Manato: The first time I really hard of Takarazuka was in junior high schol. I saw the Moon Troupe's national tour in Saga- and I was so moved. Around that time I had been wondering what I really wantd to do with my life. I loved ballet, and performing in recitals was always so fun. So I thought, if I can join Takarazuka I can dance on stage everyday!! (laughs) But it wasn't like today, there was nothing really to be found on the internet, so no matter how much I researched, I didn't really know how to enter. But just then, there was an article in the local paper about someone from Saga who had gotten in. So I knew, people from here could join too!! So I learned about the school and set my sights on it.

Makaze: When I was a junior high school student, I also saw the Moon Troupe's national tour with my mother in Kumamoto. I felt like I had entered a world unlike any I had ever seen before. In the theater lobby, we found a pamphlet about the school and I thought "It'd be great to go here- I want to try!" From then on, I tried my hardest, and after the third attempt, I passed the exam and entered the Takarazuka music school.

Raised in the Takarazuka Music School- Now, living on stage.  During the two years at the Takarazuka Music School, students learn music, dancing, and acting. At the same time they are guided through manners and discipline.

Asaka: I really loved dancing, but at that time having to project my singing voice in front of people was so embarassing. I had trouble with singing and acting. The manners were very strict, too. For example, you absolutely couldn't sneeze in front of your sempai, and if you had an itch - no matter how bad - you absolutely couldn't move. That time, I really didn't understand why or what to do... so I just did as I was told. But when you're standing on stage, those are the kinds of things you absolutely cannot do and I understand that now. You can't stop to sneeze when you're in the middle of a scene.

Makaze: I remember being told very frankly by an upperclassman, "Hey! Your face is so long- with that hairstyle, it just makes it look even longer!" I'd always had a bit of a complex about that, so I was shocked. But because they said that, even now after 10 years, I always make sure to never neglect my hairstyle on stage. If I hadn't received that friendly advice, I wouldn't know to keep it in mind. I feel that people can't grow from only "fun" thigs. You have to accept the difficult and painful things to fully power up.

Otokoyaku of 10 years... To be able to express their own individuality. The students who graduate from the TMS enter the theater and perform in their hatsubutai. Asaka's hatsubutai was the year 2002. Since then, 13 years have passed, and she has risen to be Top Star of Soragumi. Out of almost 400 performers, there are only 5 such Top Stars. And in each troupe: Hana, Tsuki, Yuki, Hoshi, and Sora, there is only one. But how they get there is different for everyone.

Manato: After joining, I felt like my days were just a nonstop succcession of frustration with myself. I couldn't do anything right. It was like, I didn't have enough power within me to fulfill the roles I was given. So, I tried even harder, remembering the songs, franticly trying to remember my lines... In my 10th year, I transferred from Hana to Sora, and I think that was my turning point. I'm rather tall, so I ended up wearing a lot of straight suits for these strong and wild roles. But then, in "Legend of the Galactic Heroes" I played a kind and honorable young man... and in "Gone with the Wind" I played the female role of Scarlet O'hara. ... and in "Those With Wings" the delicate musician, Braum... So the style of the roles I was receiving really widened. I gained confidence in myself, and I found a new and surprising side of myself. So you can call me an otokoyaku of ten years, but I feel that being allowed on the stage for these ten years is what gave me my foundation and the ability to express my personality as an otokoyaku consequentially came after that.

Also, after becoming Top, via your dynamic dancing, expressive performance, and singing, your glamour is only increasing!

Manato: Of course the responsibility of being Top is huge, but the hurdles that come with it are also very tall - so I feel like I truly want to overcome them. Since I don't want to lose to the hurdles, as I gradually learn to overcome them I feel like I can help support our Soragumi.. So I want to run at the hurdles at full power!

Makaze: Asaka-san's always so energetic and bright, and I feel like that has influenced the overall atmosphere of Soragumi. Everyone feels the brightness of that energy and it extends to us as we stand on stage.

Manato: These days, I'm really feeling the depth of the love around Takarazuka. In the Takarazuka Theater... it collects together the producers, the choreographers, and we the performers; putting together all these people who love it. As the audience gives us their love, and watching the growth of the seito, I really enjoy it. So everytime I stand on the stage, I feel that love, and it becomes my strength. My desire to give the audience a performance that they can love grows even stronger.

Combining the personalities of Soragumi to challenge a masterpiece production! Soragumi's next production is "Elisabeth" Created in Vienna, it was first performed in Takarazuka in 1996. Staged a numerous amount of times, it has become one of the representative performances of Takarazuka. With its beautiful melodies and original story, it has captured the hearts of many... .and through this performance, many people have become fans of Takarazuka.

Manato: The Takarazuka edition of "Elisabeth" focuses on the Lord of the Underworld, Todd, who loves Empress Elisabeth of Austria Hungary. Todd is this abstract concept of "death" who is both beautiful as well as bewitching and cold. So he draws people to him... For myself- the first time I saw this production, it left quite an impact on me with its setting and musical score.

Asaka-san will be performing Todd. Makaze-san will be performin Elisabeth's husband, the Emperor of Austria Hungary, Franz Joseph.

Manato: I think among Soragumi, on and off stage, I usually try to be a cheerful presence... but the "deathly" Todd is a true reversal of that. While trying to create my version of this character, I've tried to think of... the negative version of everything. But... I'm trying to do it in a way that doesn't bother anyone. (laughs)

Makaze: My role is a real emperor figure in history... So I'm trying to figure out how to be more emperor-like. I hope I can properly express the weight and style of his station in life...

Manato: This is the 20th anniversary of the production as well as Takarazuka's ninth time to perform "Elisabeth". While respecting the history of this performance, we also want to create a new "Elisabeth" with the combined powers of current Soragumi. This will be a big challenge for me personally. I want to perform a Todd that rattles the current image of what people have seen of "Asaka Manato" so far. For those who have never seen Takarazuka we hope to offer you an amazing experience with "Elisabeth" so please come!

[makalations-blog]

Translation: +Act vol.65 May 2016

Hello again. Sorry it’s been a while. I’ve been having some difficulties lately.

This was a little difficult to understand at points because it was sometimes written like an interview, and sometimes written like a past tense retelling of an interview. But I did my best. 

I hope you’re all well. Please enjoy.

+Act vol. 65 May 2016 

Self Produce Stage

Searching for that shining secret, the Takarasienne’s “true form”, the 6th installment of the series is with Soragumi’s star – Makaze Suzuho! Tall even among otokoyaku, and super stylish… anyone can agree that she’s “pretty cool”. What’s the key behind her appeal?

Let’s welcome the successful Soragumi otokoyaku star- Makaze Suzuho!

 The ladies who watch her onstage often say she’s “even more handsome than a real man” and that “even knowing she’s a woman, they can easily accept her presence as masculine”. That appeal doesn’t only shine through on stage, it’s also strong in front of the camera! Even our female staff on site today seem to be rather smitten by her radiating masculine charm.

 “I’m grateful that you used the complimentary word ‘masculine’. I usually just think of it as… some points of myself are just ‘boyish’.”

 Although now you never cease to fascinate the women around you, in the past you said you’ve had difficult times where you felt like “I’m just a plain otokoyaku with no personality. I can’t find anything good about myself” and so on…

 “Especially during my time in Hoshigumi, with Yuzuki Reon-san and Kurenai Yuzuru-san… I was surrounded by so many otokoyaku who were overflowing with personality… And then looking at myself, I often felt like there was nothing memorable about me as an otokoyaku. I think the time I managed to find myself as an otokoyaku was around the show ‘Napoleon’ where I received the role of Mura. Until that point, I hadn’t had a role in the style of a ‘gallant and excitingly brave man’ before. That role really taught me the fun of being ‘gallant and charismatic’ and I thought – ‘Ah! This is it!’ “

 And in regards to that… one could say… there’s no woman in this world who would hate a manly type of lead character (laughs).

 “The type of man that women are looking for… the ‘ideal man who probably doesn’t exist in reality’… we can still personify it on stage. I think that’s part of what makes Takarazuka so attractive. But even so, if I could deliver that kind of ‘ideal man’ based on myself and my own strengths… I would be very happy, I think.”

 So we decided to ask her… What kind of man do you think women are looking for?

 “I’ve noticed a trend of things like… ‘kabe-don’ and ‘ago-kui’* [Note: Kabe-don is when someone smacks their hand onto a wall, effectively pinning the other person between themselves and the wall. Ago-kui is when someone lifts another person’s chin with a finger to make them look up at them.] in shojo manga, even from the past. It seems like the things women like don’t change much even with time…”

 She analyzed very seriously, then added…

 “But I’m trying to be more aware of modern points of view as well as older ones. For that reason, I’ve been watching more TV. I think that current media is probably the most real representation of our time. So, when I watch romance dramas, I think, ‘Ah, so this is what people are into now?’ and that kind of research… (laughs)”

 On her days off, she enjoys going for drives and visiting onsen by herself. Let’s ask what it’s like to be someone who moves about on her own.

 “Women might generally be more hesitant, but I’m the type that will even go into a ramen shop that’s filled with only male customers. Maybe if you looked in from the outside, I’d just blend in like one of the guys…”

 she laughed heartily. This gap between looking cool and reserved… but also being a skilled conversationalist is another of her charming points. On her days off from the theater, she seems to also have an “on and off” switch for cleaning and washing?!

 “When I have the time, I try to cook, too. But… only the easiest types of dishes…”

 she admitted. So… it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to call her a ‘handy-man in the kitchen’!?

 “Ha ha ha ha ha! That’s some high praise!! (laughs) But, after all, I am a woman- so there are still things I find difficult. Especially in Takarazuka, of course there’s “the stage”, but there is  sometimes special coverage work like this, and opportunities to meet the fans outside of the theater… in order for the audience to enjoy themselves, and hold onto that dream… you can’t just use an acting technique for them. It’s a place that requires different types of charm at all times.”

 During this interview, your calm and objective words and manner have been quite impressive.

 “When you’re standing on stage, the most important thing is your role. Whether you’re the lead, or a supporting character – on the stage there are many parts. Of course, you have to think about ‘how do I want to portray this character’, but you also have to think about how you fit in the story, or how you fit in a scene. I never want to lose sight of that.

Even if you force out your feelings at 100%- you may not truly reach the audience. I think that performing in a way that overcomes the margins between you and those watching you is very important.”

 Rather than focusing on her own subjectivity, Makaze aims to create ‘the best production possible’ by viewing the stage and everyone on it as a whole. Even shining as a star now, she says

 “Honesetly, I still have moments where I just think… ‘What am I even doing??’ “

 When trying to view herself as a performer from afar, she thinks ‘she’s still not good enough’ and repeats rehearsals over and over, attempting to find that polished image of personality and impressiveness. The results of her efforts can be seen in her shining presence!

 “Sometimes I think… if there were a power drink for courage and confidence, I would definitely buy it and drink it!! (laughs) But that kind of thing doesn’t exist in this world. Now, all I can do is rehearse and practice as much as possible to build my ability. Perhaps I can gather more courage and confidence – the same as anyone else can do. But maybe saying that might make me sound kind of bossy…? (laughs)”

 My Coordinate:

Normally, I stick to casual, but for the interview today I dressed up. (laughs) I like ties a lot, so I use them as an accent for outfits a lot lately. This is an “Alexander McQueen” necktie. Since it’s spring, I went with this nice pink color.

 My Produce Item:

During Shakespeare, Reimi Urara, who played my wife, gave me this small pill case as a Valentine’s Day present. I use it to hold my earphones, which I use to watch movies and listen to music while traveling. So I carry it with me everyday!

[makalations-blog]

Translation: GRAPH June 2016

Hello again. Sorry for being away for a while. I won’t lie to you - I was busy with Vampire Succession. 

In this month’s GRAPH, Makaze and Asaka Manato participated in the “Match” corner- a game where two people are asked questions. They then have to secretly write their answer and try to match answer with their partner. This volume of GRAPH can be found on amazon japan here . There are a lot of really nice (and super cute) pictures of the two of them during the interview and playing jenga. 

Otherwise, please click the read more link for the translatiion. 

Takarazuka GRAPH June 2016  [Match] Featuring Asaka Manato and Makaze Suzuho Will their answers match...?!

 Q1: What animal is the cutest? Please draw a picture!

 Asaka: Draw a picture... (cries) A cute animal, huh. But our preference* is different.  [*Note: She uses the word 派 pronounced 'ha'.] Makaze: Our teeth*...? [*Note: She thinks Asaka said 歯, also pronounced 'ha'.] Asaka: No, our preference[派]! (laughs) Yurika is 'that' kind of person.  Makaze: Aaah, you're right! And Maa-sama is 'that' kind of person. Ok, I'll follow your lead then. Asaka: Ok! But... how should I draw this... drawing is my main problem here. Makaze: [While drawing] Are you going to draw a boy or a girl? Asaka: Wait- what? Are you putting that much quality into this? Makaze: Cause it changes the nuance of the picture, doesn't it? I... will draw a girl. Asaka: I... I see. Makaze: And I'll draw a ribbon! ~ Asaka: Stooop it! It's gonna make mine look bad!!

\\Reveal your answers!//  [Pic 2: Makaze laughing with a speech bubble, "The hair..."]

Both: (laughing a lot) Asaka: Eh! Yurika's is so cute! Makaze: Thank you! Maa-sama's... it's very high quality, you are quite the artist! Asaka: It's so thin it looks like a sphinx... I tried to draw from my memory of my collection of cat pictures but... Makaze: No, it is a very wonderful cat. (laughs)

 Q2: What does Manato-san love the most?

Makaze: Aaah! I got it, I got it. Asaka: Eh? But... I dunno... Makaze: Eeeeeh? Isn't it 'that'? It's definitely 'that'! Asaka: Eh? Eh? Eh? Makaze: Quit playing! It's 'th-at'. For example, we aren't wearing it now... Asaka: (Totally blank stare) It's a thing you wear...? Ah-Aaaah! Yes. (laughs)

[Pic 1: Makaze bubble, "Why did I have to help her with the answer?!"  Asaka bubble, "Yeah, I got it!!"] \\Reveal your answer!// [Pic 2: Asaka looking worried, "Is it... this?"] Makaze's board: Fluffy things! - Asaka's board: Sooooft and fluffy!

Both: Ah! Thank goodness!  Asaka: Yay! Makaze: See.. it's 'that' isn't it? Maa-sama... (laughs) Asaka: Sorry sorry (laughs).

 Q3: Like the character in "Elisabeth", who is the 'ideal papa' of Soragumi?

 Both: [immediately answering]

\\Reaveal your answer!// [Pic: Makaze, "This person!" - Asaka: "Easy!"] Both boards: Susshi-san <3<3

Makaze: Right! Oh, we both put two hearts, too... Asaka: Yay! Susshi-san's like a 'papa', but also like an older sister. Makaze: She's like a P.E. teacher! Not afraid to tell you when you're doing something wrong. Asaka: Aah... she has a very brisk tone. She still treats everyone respectfully, but while offering very accurate opinions.  Makaze: Sometimes strict, sometimes kind... But even more than that, she has a super charming side! Asaka: For me, whenever she calls my name, I feel like I've been targeted... Makaze: I get that. Asaka: (impersonating) "Susshi! You did it again!" (laughs) She's our super cute papa!

 Q4: When you say "Makaze Suzuho", you think of this role...

[Pic 1: Makaze poking her head with a marker while thinking, Asaka watching her.] Asaka: I already know it! Makaze: Eh! I don't know! I have to match my answer... Asaka: But you know, there's actually two... Makaze: Are they from after I came to Sora? Asaka: No, one's from Hoshi- the other's from Sora. Makaze: Ok! I have to try to match both answers! The one from my Hoshi era... who was the top star? Asaka: Um, weren't most of your roles under Chie-san (Yuzuki Reon)? (laughs) Makaze: Ah! Chie-san WAS top for six years! This kind of hint is useless! (laughs) Asaka: I've probably mentioned it to you before. Makaze: Hm... maybe it was a smaller part... I think I got it... And, the Sora one... it's 'that' right? Asaka: Yeah, 'that'. Definitely 'that'.  Makaze: What'll I do if I'm wrong?... Oh no... [Pic 2: Makaze, "Worried!!"] \\Reveal your answer!// Both Boards: Death / Stan [Pic 3: Asaka and Makaze, "Gyaaaa!!!"]

Both: We did it! Makaze: Amazing! We're amazing, right! (Excited flailing) Asaka: Yeah, we are amazing! Cause I always thought your "Death" (Romeo and Juliet) was so impressive! Everything was so exact and perfect and wonderful! I've told you that before!! Makaze: Yeah, I remember you telling me that. Asaka: And then Stan (Melancholic Gigolo), of course. That was just so much fun! Makaze: It was a lot of fun! We got to act out as much as we wanted! (laughs) It felt like my lines never came out the same way twice.  Asaka: The dialogue was a lot of fun. It's a good memory for us!

 Q5: If we ask about the two of you together, what do you think of?

[Pic 1: Asaka, "Should we talk about something we did?" Makaze, "Yeah."] Asaka: For me, there's 'that' one thing that comes to mind. Makaze: 'That's' all I can think of, too. (laughs) \\Reveal your answer!// [Both boards: Our date to Kanazawa!] Makaze: We went on a date in Kanazawa! Asaka: Yep! You transferred in at the beginning of "A Song for Kingdoms", and right after that was the start of the tour. I felt like I had so much to talk to you about, so I finally just asked you- When are you free?? Makaze: So, when we went to Kanazawa during the tour, we decided to spend time together! I was wondering where we should go, and studying all these travel magazines. We decided on the Kanazawa 21st Century Museum! So we got to the hotel... but before we left, I thought I'd call to confirm, but it turns out they were closed that day! (laughs) Asaka: I was like, are you kidding me?! But instead we went to the castle and explored the forest area. (laughs) Makaze: But we talked the entire time! (laughs) I feel like I didn't even look at the castle at all... (laughs) Asaka: And there were no benches or anything... just a fence? So we sat there (laughs) Makaze: And talked about lots of stuff... Asaka: About Soragumi, for example. How serious... (laughs). And then we realized we could see the museum we wanted to go to! Makaze: Yeah! Even though we couldn't go in, we decided to go look at the works set up outside! Asaka: They had all these tunnel type things poking up from the ground, and some of them were connected underground. So I spoke into one of them, and then suddenly Yurika was like, "I'm gonna go find the connecting end!!" and ran off! Makaze: I was like, "Maa-sama! I found it! It's here, it's here! I can hear you!!" I was really excited. (laughs) Asaka: And then we went to a really old tea shop for tea, and met Susshi-san to have dinner together! That was a really fun day! Makaze: Yeah, it really was!

 [Final Pic: The two of them high-fiving, "Yeaaaaaaah! We got them all right!"]

[makalations-blog]

Translation: Best Stage vol.92 May 2016

Hello again. I managed to get two things done in one day. Crazy! 

Here is another interview with more information about the upcoming “Vampire Succession”. I, for one, am crazing looking forward to this. Anyone else?

Side note, there were a few difficult parts that I had to just do my best... if anyone else reads the original article and finds any major errors please let me know. 

You can find the magazine here. Thanks for reading! 

Best Stage Vol. 92 May 2016

 Challenging a Vampire Hero – Makaze Suzuho!

 Musical Play: [Vampire Succession]

After transferring from Hoshi-gumi to Sora-gumi and challenging many new roles, Makaze Suzuho has grown… and this time, she’s challenging the role of a fashionable vampire who, after falling in love with a human girl, hopes to become human himself. How will she shatter the traditional blood-sucking demonic image? How will she spin this heart-warming tale of flesh and blood? Our expectations are growing quickly!

 ---

In “Shakespeare: The Sky Filled With Eternal Words”, she played the patron who used Shakespeare’s popularity for his own ambition- George Carey! Paired with Shakespeare, whose words were encouraged by the presence of his wife, George also receives power from the words of his own wife- Bess. Their serious exchange inspires laughter from the audience, adding a nice accent to the story.

“George’s ambitions and desires are really drawn out by Bess. The director, Ikeda-sensei, said he wanted us to act with the image of “Macbeth” in mind- so that really influenced us. It was a new style of role for me, but overacting only to get laughter isn’t very interesting, so I consciously attempted to portray him as a very earnest and serious person.”

 It’s been 10 months since your transfer to Sora-gumi, and you’ve been increasing your presence as a supportive role to the current Top Star, Asaka Manato.

 “I’ve had the chance to play a few darker roles, but it’s surprising to think it hasn’t been a full year yet. Of course, my hatsubutai was also with Sora-gumi, but the current Sora-gumi has accepted me so warmly. As performers, everyone’s desire to create the best performance possible is the same, I think. And the fans have unchangingly continued to support me, for which I’m very grateful.”

 Considering its popularity, finding affinity with the role of a “Vampire”

 As her one year anniversary of arriving in Sora-gumi nears this May, she has been chosen to lead the next show- “Vampire Succession”. The mysteriously alluring ‘vampire’ suits the otokoyaku of Takarazuka well, but this performance will take place in modern day New  York. Makaze’s role of the vampire “Alucard” and his budding romance with a young college girl studying to be a dentist… and a friendship with a legendary “nemesis”… it promises to be quite a heart-full comedy.

 “Vampires have appeared in multiple Takarazuka productions. Recently, in things like the ‘Twilight’ series, or Johnny Depp’s ‘Dark Shadows’… it’s a popular topic in many movies as well. Ikeda-sensei (writer/director) said he wanted it to be an “intimate and personable” style of character, not necessarily the lonely brooding type…

A vampire working as a ghostwriter is quite interesting, so I imagine he’s the kind of person who takes himself so seriously that it becomes laughable… maybe? (laughs) Such ‘human events’ like falling in love and making friends… I’m really looking forward to how Ikeda-sensei weaves this story together…”

 Alucard lives as a human, so the portrayal of the gap between his outer appearance and his inner self… what will we see not only through your acting but also in your character design?… seems like you’ll need to break away from traditional conventions.

 “During the photoshoot for the poster, I consulted with Ikeda-sensei, and we decided to focus more on the vampire image than the comedy. I used color contacts and a different eye makeup style, the skin color is more matte in an attempt to look pale. I worried what to do about the hair color, because I felt that using silver hair would be too similar to “Elisabeth”’s Der Todd or “Romeo and Juliet”’s Death… so I settled on black hair with just silver highlights. For the style, Ikeda-sensei said Alucard’s the kind of guy who “even in 700 years of life, is always sure to wear the latest fashions of the current era…” So, since he’s living in modern New York, I went with the popular manbun style, longer hair pulled back into a round tail. He’s a vampire who presumes to live as a human, but when he gets the urge to bite someone, his eyes will suspiciously change… so I’m trying to aim for that delicate balance…”

 With the stage set in modern New  York, perhaps we’ll be able to see Makaze-san dressed in cutting-edge fashion! That could become the number one attraction of the show…

 “It’s definitely a fresh feeling- different from historical vampires. But then, perhaps… in a fancy party scene, I may wear a cloak and look like “THE Vampire!”…? I think? Or something close to that will be fun. As this is my first lead in Sora-gumi, I want to be able to show a lot of new things on the stage… so, without pushing too far, not over-acting, and staying healthy, I want to create a great show together with everyone.”

 [Blurb about the show]

A vampire reborn into modern day New York, Alucard (Makaze Suzuho) has ridden through the flow of time for 700 years, undergoing constant “evolution and degeneration”. He abstains from attacking humans for blood and no longer fears crosses. At a Halloween costume party, he meets the young college student Lucy. As he gradually becomes more and more attracted to her, he finds a desire to become human growing within him. But for vampires, who live eternally, the decision to become human is the same as choosing one’s own death…

[makalations-blog]

Translation: Yokohama Walker April 2016

Makaze was recently interviewed about her upcoming show “Vampire Succession” for a travel magazine that focuses on the Yokohama area. 

Why am I not surprised that she managed to work in a comment about food? 

You can find the magazine here.

Yokohama Walker April 2016

 [Title] “Since this role is not based on a real person, I want to enjoy creating a new character!”

 Recently appearing in the 400-year Memorial Play “Shakespeare: The Sky Filled With Eternal Words” as the man responsible for recognizing Shakespeare’s talent at a young age – George Carey… Today’s guest is the Sora-gumi star: Makaze Suzuho!

 “Actually, George was a lot older than Shakespeare. In an attempt to represent that age gap on stage, I ended up wearing a moustache. Also, the relationship between George and his wife is meant to reflect the story of ‘Macbeth’, so that also influenced the creation of this role.”

 The play about Shakespeare also represents many of his works, so it became a work with other works within it- a very “full” production!

 “In order to surprise the audience at the end, I spend the first half of the show trying to show George’s ‘manliness’ – a man who pursues his desires to the very end. Because of that initial representation, I think the end of the story will be surprising.”

 -Shakespeare and George- … -George and his wife-… Makaze often plays these important roles whose relationships move and shape the story. However, in her next performance, she’ll be playing a vampire…

 “Since this isn’t based on a real person, I have a bit more freedom in my role-creation… However, I think everyone already has an image for “vampire” in their minds. But this vampire has evolved a bit and isn’t weak to sunlight or crosses. It’s a modern version of the vampire myth, so it’s a bit difficult in that respect. He lives his daily life pretending to be a human, so I’m having fun figuring out just how much ‘vampire-y’ expression to use. Even in the photoshoot for the poster, I went with a matte skin color, added silver to the tips of the hair, and tried to make it just a little mysterious.”

 It’s being promoted as a play with “comedic touch”, but the show will also contain an element of romance. And we are happy to report that this show will take place at the Kanagawa KAAT Theater!

 “I’m really looking forward to visiting the Chinatown area in Yokohama! I love all Chinese food, so I’m already thinking about what I should eat while I’m there. I want to go eat a lot of delicious things during my time off!”

 It seems that Makaze from Kumamoto Prefecture loves ramen- especially pork ramen!

 “I’ve not had much other than the local flavors of ramen where I’m from, so I’m really interested in Yokohama’s “kakei” ramen! I want to eat it!”

 During the show, you may encounter the human- disguised vampire Makaze-san by chance?!

[makalations-blog]

Translation: Yahoo News Report

Hi everyone. 

As I’m sure you’ve heard, there was recently a very serious earthquake in the Kumamoto area- which is Makaze’s hometown. 

A couple of news outlets have interviewed her since. The TL;DR version is she is ok, her family is ok, and their home didn’t sustain too much damage. I translated the small article from yahoo. (Please click the link to visit the original).

If you would like to donate to the relief efforts, you can do that here.

The English is under the cut.

Yahoo – Kumamoto Earthquake

The Takarazuka Sora-gumi star from Kumamoto Prefecture, Makaze Suzuho, says that she has received reassurances from her family in the wake of the earthquake that hit the area.

“I’ve received contact from my family that they’re ok. However, I haven’t been able to get in touch with some friends…”

At 9:16 PM on the evening of April 14th, the Kumamoto area experienced a strong earthquake that registered a 7 on the seismic scale, followed by a series of strong aftershocks.

According to Makaze, her mother left their home after the initial earthquake in order to check on a family friend – an older woman who lives alone. Now, they are sticking together during the aftermath.

The evening of the earthquake, Makaze was also left waiting anxiously.

“Until I managed to get in touch with her (mother), I couldn’t move from in front of the TV. I sat there, holding my cell phone while waiting, unable to look away from the screen for a long time. When I finally got ahold of her, she kept saying the aftershocks were really intense.”

There seems to have been no major damage to their home, but the impact of the earthquake did manage to destroy the stone walls of the famous Kumamoto Castle, where Makaze often visited as a child.

“I’m shocked. I really loved the Kumamoto Castle… It’s hard to believe anything could bring down those walls…”

[makalations-blog]

Translation: Graph April 2016

Hi, again. <3

As I’m sure you all know, tomorrow is Tokyo Raku for Shakespeare/Hot Eyes!! I am sad. Although I’m sure they are all ready to rest.

In honor of raku, I would like to post this translation I did during my free hours at ... uh, not my job, because that would be irresponsible... or something. Anyway. It’s a new (?) corner called “Sub-Audio” where an actress watches a recording of the show and gives her commentary. So please enjoy a play-by-play commentary from Makaze’s POV about everyone’s favorite Hot EYES!! 

I hope you enjoy ~

(Note: The titles are: Scene Name (Scene Number) [Role Title] )

April 2016 GRAPH

"Subaudio": Makaze Suzuho

[While watching footage of their performance, the stars give a commentary from their own point of view!]

 -Preview:

This time is an impressive show that utilizes the grand staircase in all scenes! We rehearsed with that image in mind, but seeing the stage in person was so gorgeous! These stairs are practically synonymous with "Takarazuka"... so in order to compete with something that impressive, we perform our hardest everyday!

 -Charming EYES (2) The opening number is all musume-yaku. I have to finish changing clothes by the curtain call and go on standby on stage left. I have to pay attention to the musume-yakus’ grand entrance; otherwise, I'll get run over by them. It's a bit dangerous (laughs). Once they start their group dance, I move to the edge and watch the stage.

 -Black EYES (3) [Sexy Eye S] When Maa-sama (Manato) begins her part, I'm already prepared in my standby position. I always watch her from so close... (laughs). For the group dance, everyone runs behind us to join in, but with the grand staircase there's not a lot of depth on the stage. That seems like the moment you realize this is different from a normal show.

 -Black EYES (4) [Sexy Eye S] 

Here, I exit the stage once, and take a moment to prepare my voice. But it's really only a moment, so I have to adjust my breathing a bit... Then I stand on the ginkyo to sing in tandem with the actions of the performers on the main stage. But I can't actually watch them during it... Ah, for some reason my performance this day isn't quite good enough, is it? (laughs)

 -Hot EYES (5) [Sexy Eye S]

The tune of the theme song is so catchy, I think everyone will want to go home and try out the dance afterward. (laughs) After the tango it changes to an "everyone can do this together!" type of feeling. And we get to go out into the audience. It's so nice... It's so bright, so it's really easy to see the audience members' faces!

 -Jumping EYES (7)

I exit stage right, but next I have to enter the side stage from the left... so it's surprisingly busy! (laughs) I have to cross horizontally, and I REALLY HATE running... (laughs) If I walk, as long as I make it across by Maa-sama's solo, I can safely make my entrance. Kanon Mai-san helps me change outfits with her magic wand... (laughs)

 -Dark EYES (8) [Gigolo]

My prologue hairstyle was kept firmly in place, but here I change it to a more relaxed style. I'm invited on stage by Yuri-chan (Urara), but once I'm on the stage I'm just continuously played with... (laughs)

 -Dark EYES (9) [Gigolo]

Wa! It feels like "THE TAKARAZUKA" ! Getting to see it on video is fun! (laughs) Aa... From this angle... where did Yuri go? (laughs) "WHY?? Whyyyy?" (laughs) Ah, Yuri-chan, you're up on the steps doing sexy things by yourself! What are you doing up there?

Ah ha ha... I've been captured. Eeeh?!! After I faint... Maa-sama... Woah! Too intense! Wa - What is this "Yeah I did it" look?? Stop!! It's too cool?!! Noooo, MANATO-san! Kya!

(T/N: The first WHY was actually written in English, I dunno why lol…)

 -Stylish EYES (10) 

Ah, the next performers came out… During this part, I have to make a really fast change! It’s like "life and death" fast! Every time Ai-chan (Aizuki) gets me some water and helps with spray and drying... She helps with everything! Without her I would never be able to do this!

 -Stylish EYES (11) [SUZUHO]

This fast paced song is pretty difficult, but I try to sing it like powpow! (laughs) So, I'm glad if people can understand. The musume-yaku wanted to have a more "adult" feeling so they researched a lot. Day by day, they really became great "women", don't you think? (laughs)

 -Stylish EYES (12A)

I exit stage left, and then during "Megumi no hito", I cross over to the other side. It's actually set up so when Sao-san exits stage right at her "me!" part, I can see her. (laughs) I catch my breath, fix my hair, and for some reason... Kazuki Sora-san always mysteriously shows up. Then without saying anything, she disappears like zoom-! (laughs) Around that time the "Ja Ja Uma" song starts.

 -Stylish EYES (12F) [SUZUHO]

When we leave the ginkyo I always get a high five from Maa-sama!

 -Mysterious EYES (14) I exit stage right and change to my jaguar costume. As this scene starts, I meet up with Ai-chan who comes in from the left. This part is pretty fast, too.

 -Mysterious EYES (15) [Jaguar Man A] After being an idol, I'm suddenly no longer human. (laughs) It's a lot of fun! The first half seems like a jaguar's day-to-day, like they've got too much time on their hands? Like "Yeah! Let's hunt some meat!" and then later it's like "Hey King! (Manato) Why you acting so suspicious??!" kind of feelings... (laughs)

 -Sad EYES (16) [Jaguar Man A]

The next bit acts out more like a story. Those of us standing and moving in the background rehearsed a lot to make it look more jaguar-like.

 -Loving EYES (17) [Jaguar Man A]

This was our new project- to try to make the shape of an eye while standing on the grand staircase! Ah, you can actually see it! Here, we really use all of our power to dance in honor of the Jaguar King, and convey our true feelings!! (laughs)

 -Forever EYES (18)

From Gigolo to here is really nonstop, so I end up sweating more than usual (laughs), so I have to dry off all the sweat before changing and getting ready for the finale number. In an attempt to keep with the "exotic" theme, I put my hair in an all-back style. So I'm doing all that work off to the right. (laughs)

 -Innocent EYES (20)

Ah, the mysteriously appearing Kazuki Sora-san's rocket dance has begun. (laughs) Around now is when I'm fixing the headband and earring... When they start the kick line, I move to the stage edge with the musume-yaku...  Waaaah! Sora winked!!! What are you doing before I get on stage?? (laughs)

 -Exotic EYES (21) [Exotic Guy S]

The shout-out at the beginning starts the final number, and I want to make sure to amp up the audience. So I have to be mentally prepared! (laughs) Ah... So this is what it looks like, huh...

 -Exotic EYES (22) 

When I exit the stage, the others come down the center behind me. When I was a fan, I always loved the part where the otoko-yaku have the grand staircase dance together. So every time I'm like "It's time!!! Otokoyaku!!" really excitedly. But then I have to go take a drink, wipe my sweat again, and get back up to the edge of the stage.

 -Exotic EYES (23) [Exotic Guy S]

Oooh! So this is what the LED on the staircase looks like?? Amazing! We change partners between the three pairs doing this and that… (laughs) It feels like a series of collaborations, so it's fun.

 -Golden EYES (24) [Golden Eye Man S] This part is also super fast!! If I don’t finish changing by the time the Etoile's done, I won't make it! Putting on the feathers also takes a lot of time, so there's no second to spare! Mappu (Matsukaze) and Kakeru (Fuuma) always help me. I have to be ready at the stage edge by the time Saeko-san (Chitose) and the others are singing.

Here I am. For me, this part always feels like "It's so amazing to be alive!" (laughs)  The audience seats also get lit up, so we can see the happy faces of the audience. One show takes so much energy, but I always feel so happy for having done my best!

 -Finished

Ya... That was interesting! This show is a lot of fun, isn't it? I'm really glad I was able to see it how the audience does. With this in mind, I'll fulfill my duties from tomorrow on!... For some reason, I'm suddenly so serious? (laughs)

 -Special Items: *Slippers I received these from a fan. The design matches the look from "Shakespeare" with nice patterns and rhinestones. It makes me match the "rich patron of William (Manato)" image. (laughs)

*Bag The design matches the slippers. I'd use the smaller one during rehearsals to keep letters I received. I use the big one during the actual show. It's big enough to fit a whole bathrobe in!

*Carrier Box During "A Song for Kindoms", Ai-chan made this for me for my birthday. The quality is so good, you wouldn't think an otoko-yaku made it! It's really handy. I can keep my dryer, hairspray, comb, and makeup puffs in it. And I always have some water in it, too.

/End. Please support by purchasing this copy of GRAPH. Amazon

[makalations-blog]

Translation: Shakespeare

Hellooo! So despite this taking ~way~ longer than I originally intended... here is the Shakespeare translation!! *cue fanfare* And it seems like it’s just in time as people are getting their Bluray/DVD copies of the show! Awesome. 

I’m sorry I don’t have the means to create a subtitle file. If anyone is experienced in those, and would be interested in making one, please feel free to contact me and let’s see if we can get something to work. :) 

Otherwise, I hope you can enjoy reading along while watching the show to enjoy it to the fullest! 

Update 4/03: I had a chance to watch the bluray while reading through and made some changes. And added some missing lines oops. Hopefully it is easier to follow now.

I’ll make a few notes at the beginning, but everything else under the cut is the full script! Please enjoy! Thank you so much :)

Some notes: -For scenes that involved direct quotes from Shakespeare works, I decided to go with original English interpretations rather than un-translating it.

-Queen Elizabeth used the Japanese kanji for what I *believe* to be the royal We, therefore I translated her spoken lines with the royal We.

-I attempted to make this flow as lyrically as possible while making it line up with what was in the script.

-This is by no means a professional translation. Apologies for any inaccuracy!

-Enjoy <3

Shakespeare: The Sky Filled with Eternal Words

Soragumi 2016

Cast List:

William Shakespeare … Asaka Manato Anne Hathaway … Misaki Rion George Carey … Makaze Suzuho

 (Shakespeare Family)

Father, John …    Matsukaze Akira Mother, Mary … Mikaze Maira  Son, Hamnet …  Haruha Rara

 (Carey Family and Friends)

Father, Henry … Kotobuki Tsukasa Wife, Bess … Reimi Urara

Earl of Southampton, Henry Wriothesley… Aizuki Hikaru Earl of Essex, Robert Devereaux …  Sakuragi Minato

(Lord Chamberlain’s Men) Richard Burbage … Saou Kurama Richard's Father, James … Fuuma Kakeru Henry Condell … Junya Chitose Thomas Pope … Sumiki Sayato  Will Kempe … Sorahane Riku John Heming … Kauzki Sora Robert Armin … Rukaze Hikaru

Ben Johnson (poet) … Hoshibuki Ayato

(Court Members) Baptisto Bassano (Composer) … Hoshizuki Rio Emilia Bassano … Hoshikaze Madoka Robert Cecil, Earl of Salisbury … Tenrei Mion William Cecil, Baron Burghley … Rinjou Kira Edmund Tilney, Master of Ceremony … Mitsuki Haruka Henry Brooke, Baron Cobham … Mirei Jun

 Queen Elizabeth the First … Miho Keiko

(Ladies in Waiting) (Head) Kanon Mai

Ayase Akina Seoto Risa Aishiro Moa Yuino Kanari  Hanasaki Airi Sakurane Rei Aisaki Maria Ayaka Mari Suzuka Maya Mamiya Ryouko

 Scene 1-A: Prologue (A) City of London

 >The curtain rises, revealing a scene of London. Anne arrives in the city after receiving an invitation to attend the opening performance of William’s first play, “Romeo and Juliet”. William departed for London after their wedding some six years ago.

 Townswoman: Sadness never comes alone It always brings with it A long succession of sorrow

 [The Unsleeping Town, London]

 >At a time where watching executions was a form of entertainment for the people, the plague hits London. Death seems to be waiting around every corner. The people console themselves by betting on animal fights (bear versus dog) and plays that allow them to forget their everyday lives.

>Those in charge of the death carts, merchants, prostitutes, beggars, bear tamers, and others still continue to live with fervor. They crave to escape their daily lives and the fear of nearby death.

>Anne is feeling anxious, coming to London for the first time for her promised reunion with William. As the cloudy skies roll over London, she feels restless in the face of such a grotesque scene. However, it is strangely full of vibrant character – proof that there is still life in the city of London.

Londoners A: Today as well, who has slipped into that sleep

 Man: The plague!

 Londoners B: Now they are probably sweetly dreaming

 Londoners C: There is no waking  from those dreams

 Londoners D: Yet somehow that seems so sweet

 Londoners E: Who can still laugh...?

 All: There's no one left! We cannot sleep. We cannot dream. There is no tomorrow coming, but that's fine with us!

Through the unending days we will persevere!

 Men: Even without sleep we still wish to dream

 Women: Even without sleep we still wish to dream

 Men: This city does not sleep

 Women: It does not sleep

 All:  So we dream! In the unsleeping city of London!

 Bear Tamer: Hey hey! Come one, come all! Come to see the exciting match of bear versus dog!

 > A man attempts to take Anne's money pouch, but she is saved by Ben. Ben calls out to her.

 Ben Johnson (Hoshibuki Ayato): Lady Shakespeare?

 Anne (Misaki Rion): Yes?

 Ben: I've been sent to guide you.

 Anne: Where's Will?

 Ben: At the theater. Has it been long since you last saw him?

 Anne: About a year. He left for London immediately after we first married. For the last five years, he's been going back and forth between Stratford and London.

 Ben: He'll be so happy to see you. You've always encouraged him so.

 Anne: What is this performance?

 Ben: “Romeo and Juliet”! It's his newest work.

 >Ben, Anne, and Hamnet exit left. The theater rises behind the townspeople.

 Londoners: We cannot sleep. We cannot dream. There is no tomorrow coming, but that is fine with us. Through the unending days we will persevere! We will not sleep for our fear of death. We are not allowed to sleep as  we dare to hope for light. Wine! Gambling! Theater!  We continue to search for an incentive to live. This city will not sleep (will not sleep) But we can still dream In this unsleeping city of London! London!

 >The criminal nobles in the background are dragged away by soldiers. The people look determined. The stage begins to turn. 

Scene 1B: Prologue (B) The Theater, Romeo and Juliet

>As the stage turns, the silhouette of William at his desk becomes visible.

 [City of Dreams, London ~Before the Curtain~]

 William (Asaka Manato): I believe only in the feelings of today. With my back to yesterday, and facing toward tomorrow I arrived in this city- In London! From being a man that no one knew about, to tomorrow, where there will be no one left who does not know my name! That name is- William Shakespeare

 William: James! I've finished writing the ending! Hand it out to the performers, would you?

 George (Makaze Suzuho): As your patron, allow me to tell you... changing the script this late is very dangerous!

 William: George... What you mean to say is "All's well that ends well", right?

 Ben: Will! I've brought your wife!

 William: Anne! Hamnet! You've grown again. Today, Her Majesty the Queen is coming to watch. What should I do? If she doesn't like it, I'm doomed!

 Anne: It'll be just fine. I know it.

 Richard (Sao Kurama): Will, come watch this added scene, would you?

 William: Sure! (To Anne) If this show is a success, you can stay in London!

 Anne: And we can finally be together?

 William: Yes. The three of us will live here together.

 >Rehearsal. The backstage workers help with preparations.

 William: Good. Make sure to say the lines naturally and clearly so that everyone listening can understand you.

 Richard: I know. "Match your actions to your words, and your words to your actions."

 Condell (Junya Chitose): (comes on stage in a male voice) What should I do? My voice... it's strange... I can’t seem to change it...

 William: You’re probably just nervous. Please, I know you can do it!

 Pope (Sumiki Sayato): Condell! Look, a mouse!

 Condell: A mouse?! Scary!!! (Soprano voice comes out)

 William: You just did it, didn't you?

 Condell: Huh? Oh yeah!

 James (Fuuma Kakeru): Alright! It's almost time!

 Everyone: Ok!

 Performers: We, the performers, are but silhouettes concealed within the lights of the stage. Acting only as a mirror to reflect the world, yet with no power to change it or to relieve the hunger or to stop the wars.

All we can do is offer the audience A temporary dream! That is all we can do!

 Condell: That is all, That is all!

 All: William Shakespeare! Together with him, we will carve out a new era! William Shakespeare! We shall stand together under a new flag!

With these feelings of belief, the dawn of a new future! Now, it is beginning, in this city of dreams! In London!

 >Soon only performers are left on the stage. Condell runs off stage after changing into a dress and wig. 

>For the next scene: Richard - Romeo, Condell- Juliet, Heming - Mercutio, Pope - Paris, Kempe - Benvolio,  James - Archduke, Armin - Tybalt.

 Londoners: William Shakespeare

 William: To build a new era with my friends!

 Londoners: William Shakespeare! William Shakespeare! William Shakespeare!

 Actors: Standing together under a new flag!

 William: We will perform miracles!

 All: Shakespeare! Shakespeare!

 William: Raise the curtain!

 All: Yeah!

 [Play 1: Romeo and Juliet]

 >As the music changes, all turn to watch the performance. Anne appears, watching closely. The balcony scene…

 Juliet (Condell): Ah! Romeo, Romeo! Wherefore art thou, Romeo? You are your own self, though not a Montague. Romeo, cast away your name! Cast away that name which has no part of you,

and rather take me in its stead.

 Romeo (Richard): I choose you, just as you say! Call me but "lover" and that shall be my new name. Henceforth, I shall no longer be Romeo.

 Juliet: What man is there, that has come hidden in the night, and so stumbles upon my counsel?

 >William approaches behind Anne.

 Anne + Juliet: How did you come here, and why? 

The orchard walls are high and difficult to climb.

 William + Romeo: With love's light wings did I climb these walls,  For no stone walls can keep love out,  And what all love can accomplish, that love dare even attempt!

 >The stage becomes quiet.

 William: Do you remember? It’s the day we met.

 Anne: It's not something that I could ever forget.

 William: This... is our story. At that time, I was always walking around with my head in the clouds, lost in my dreams...

 >The two couples dance, their movements overlapping.

 William's Voice: No... Perhaps I am still in a dream even now? It was in May, six years ago. The village of Stratford was celebrating the yearly festival.

 >Mercutio and Benvolio are dancing along with girls dressed for the May festival. In order to show how William, as well as his and Anne's love, came to this point, we return to Stratford six years ago...

  Scene 2: Six years Earlier, Stratford Upon Avon (Shakespeare's Home)

[Day of the May Festival, Noon 1]

 >The day of the May festival, when Shakespeare and Anne first met. 

>Following the memories of the past, men and women dressed for the May festival appear behind the on-stage audience. They begin dancing along with folk style music. Center stage rises behind them, revealing Shakespeare's home with his father and mother.

 Festival Men: Hey!

 Men and Women:  Hey non nonny, nonny, Hey nonny! Hey non nonny, nonny, Hey nonny! Spring has come to Stratford! Let's celebrate! And dance! The Morris dance! Take your lover by the hand! Here we go! Hey ho hey Nonny no nonny  If you step into the green fields The birds will sing along! Hey chee chee chee! Hey non nonny nonny Hey nonny  Let's celebrate! And dance! For the May festival!

 Men: Hey!

 >The Shakespeare family is now fully visible.

 John (Matsukaze Akira): William! Have you finished your morning chores? We'll be having lunch soon.

 William: In a bit. I'm trying to finish something.

 John: You're not finished? Hey. What is that in your hands?

 William: It's nothing!

 John: Just show me.

 >John takes the paper that William was holding.

 John: What is this?

 William: It doesn't concern you, dad!

 John: What is all this writing? (He can't read it himself)

 William: ... It's a dialogue.

 John: A dialogue?? Damn it, we didn't send you to school so that you could write crap like this!

 > John throws the papers into the fire and they begin to burn. William tries to fish them out.

 William: Stop!!

 Mary: Dear!

 John: Listen, I submitted our family emblem to the coat of arms committee today. If it is accepted, then our house will become equivalent to the lower aristocracy, and people will properly greet us with the title of 'Gentlemen' from now on. You will become the heir to that name!

 William: Even without an emblem or coat of arms, in a play you can become anything you want to be.

 John: How long are you going to keep dreaming? That's enough, it’s time to face reality.

 William: A leatherworker becoming a Gentleman?? Seems like you're the one stuck in a dream!

 John: You!

 >Mary moves to stop John.

 John: Let me go!

 William: Someday... I will go to London... and leave this shitty life behind!!

 John: William!!

 >Will angrily runs off stage left. As the Shakespeare house descends, the May festival men and women dance by.

  Scene 3: Six Years Earlier, Stratford, The Yorkshire Forest

[May Festival Day, Noon 2]

 >A younger Anne Hathaway comes on stage, dressed for the May festival.

 Bartholomew: Sister, please!

 Anne: No! Why do I have to dance with that guy?

 Bartholomew: Because Paris likes you! And he's the richest guy in this area!

 Anne: If he wants to dance so badly, how about you go dance with him?

 Bartholomew: Sis, you're already at a good age. This kind of chance... it probably won’t come again!

 Anne: So you're trying to say I should do this for myself?

 Bartholomew: For our family... We can't afford to lose the land that our father left us!

 Anne: ... I understand.

 Bartholomew: Thank goodness! I'll go get Sir Paris right away!

 >Bartholomew exits the stage. BG music starts.

 Anne: Even if it is for the good of the family... Father would still understand my feelings, wouldn't he?

 >Laughing voices approach. Anne goes to hide in the tree, climbing up. William comes on stage, trying to read the burnt pages. Will's friends and some girls approach the tree.

 Benvolio: Hey, Will! Aren't you going to the May festival?

 William: No.

 Benvolio: What?

 Mercutio: Why?

 William: You're all dancing around so light on your feet, but it feels as if there is a lead weight hanging from my heart. It is as if I've grown roots, unable to even lift the soles of my feet from the ground...

 Benvolio: Ah, have you been writing play stuff again?

 William: Yes. Because that is my dream! But... now it’s just burnt.

 Mercutio: As usual, you're a pretty strange guy...

 Benvolio: Well, let's go!

 >The group of friends leaves. Alone, Will leans against the tree to work. Anne looks on from her hiding spot above.

 William: Shall I compare thee to a summer's day? Thou art more lovely and more temperate. Rough winds... winds... winds, what?

Winds… What?> Damnit, I don't remember!

 > Will hits the tree in frustration. It shakes, making Anne lose her balance.

 William: Ouch!

 Anne: A- Ahhh! I'm falling!

 William: Wha- hey, look out!

 Anne: Aaaaaahhhh!

 >Anne falls from the tree and Will approaches nervously.

 Anne: Ouch...

 William: Are you ok? Are you hurt?

 Anne: It hurts, but... somehow, I'm ok.

 William: Sorry, I didn't realize anyone was up there. I thought only caterpillars fell from trees...

 Anne: Caterpillars?!

 William: Or like... faeries or witches... What were you doing up there?

 Anne: I was hiding...

 William: Hiding?

 Anne: More importantly... have you ever seen them?

 William: Seen what?

 Anne: Witches or faeries?

 William: I've never actually met one. But I can feel them.

 Anne: Feel them?

 William: Yeah. I can hear the whisper of their words against my ear. Do you believe in them?

 Anne: Hmm... Yeah, I do!

 William: Thank goodness.

 Anne: What's that?

 William: It's a dialogue.

 Anne: A dialogue? You wrote it?

 William: Yes! Someday, I want to be a playwright! But... the words don't always come to me so easily... And my dad threw what I had written into the fireplace...

 >He shows her the burnt pages.

 Anne: Why? You should write them! You love it, right?

 William: It's no good. First of all, I don't have anyone to perform what I write.

 Anne: Then I will perform for you!

 William: You, a woman? Only men can be players, you know.

 Anne: Don't say that! Let me see it... “Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?”

 William: You can read?

 Anne: I learned so I could help my father with his work before he died. “Thou art more lovely and more temperate...”

 William: Ah, it's really no good...

 Anne: Why? This kind of thing should be spoken aloud right?

 William: No one's ever read my work before this...

 Anne: That means that I'm the first then?

 William: Well...

 Anne: It's fine, right? You want people to hear it, don't you?

 >Anne begins reading the unfinished poem with great feeling. While watching her, Will begins to sing. Anne's performance becomes a type of pantomime.

 Anne: Shall I compare thee to a summer's day? Thou art more lovely and more temperate. Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May...

 [The Day Words Were Born]

 William: As the May breeze sways through the scattered light of the trees

Your soft lips bloom like a flower

And your breath             grants life

To dancing words           that dazzle and sparkle…

On the day words were born into this world

What was it that people discussed, I wonder? Within an undying and ancient dream

the answer to that question still rests. I imagine that I will find it soon knocking faintly at the door of my heart. To create poetry that will not wither through time… I have realized my one true wish-

To write poetry that reaches through eternity! Once I met your eyes they guided me to the answer. The secrets of the world, wherever they are even unto the final horizons of the sky I shall pursue them!

 >When William stops singing, Anne ends her pantomime.

 Anne: The rest... I can't read it. It's all burnt.

 William: I'll write it now. I've remembered it from watching you. It'll be even better than before.

 Anne: From watching me?

 William: Yeah! Wait, I'll write it for you now.

 >Will leans against the tree to start writing. Watching him, Anne begins to sing.

 Anne:  As the May breeze sways through the treetops The whispers of blooming flowers fall, mixing with the ink of your pen. They breathe with new life, so that the words sing, And the world is filled with color

 William:                                                           Anne:  To weave poetry                                                 The sky that will not wither through time                           is filled That is my one                                                   with words and only 

Together: I've noticed in this world what seems like an opening leading to the future

William:                                                           Anne: Once I met your eyes                                           Within your eyes I was filled with a premonition                           I see it shining through The secrets of the world, wherever they are         

even unto the final horizons of the sky                  you I shall...

 Together: Pursue them! Pursue all that the world holds and transform it into words!

 William: I want to ask you something... Would you be my performer?

 Anne: But... women can't be performers, like you said...

 William: ...You’re right... Then- just my secret performer! I just want you to read what I write... When I watch you perform, I can feel the words rise within me. Like magic!

 Anne: That's a lovely proposal... but…

 William: Are you... not interested in my work?

 Anne: No, that's not it! Your work is wonderful! You write so mysteriously... It’s like... You transform the very world into words.

 William: Then...

 >Bartholomew and Paris enter the stage.

 Bartholomew: Sister!

 Paris: I was so afraid you hated me!!! What? Shakespeare! What are you doing with Anne?

 William: Anne? Is that your name?

 Paris: Don't talk to her like you're friends. (To Anne) Come on, let's go!

 William: Where are you going?

 Anne: The May festival!

 Paris: That has nothing to do with the son of a leatherworker!

 William: What'd you say??

 Paris: Eep!

 Bartholomew: Run!

 >Anne is lead off stage by the two of them.

 William: Damn it! 

>Same as before, William tries to hit the tree, but stops. 

William: Wait. The May Festival! If I go, I can see her again!

>A new determination appears on William's face as the light fades.

  Scene 4: Six Years Earlier- A Gentleman 'Sideshow'

>In front of the black gauze curtain. John goes to meet the Lord of the local manor, Thomas Lucy, who is visiting for the May festival that day.

 John: Sir Lucy!! Please, this way. Now then, concerning the matter of my family's coat of arms...

 Lucy: It's fine, there's been no... 'delays'...

 John: Oh! Well then!

 Lucy: How about tonight at the May festival? Shouldn't I announce this in front of all the townspeople?

 John: Thank you so much!

 Lucy: If you're going to be a gentleman, you shouldn't deprecate yourself so much before others.

 John: Right!

 Lucy: Well then. Till later.

 >John exits the stage.

>From the other side, Henry Carey and George Carey enter. This time, Lucy is the one deprecating himself before the others.

 Lucy's servant: Presenting, the Minister of the Imperial Household, Lord Chamberlain Henry Carey! Accompanied by his son, Lord George!

 Lucy: I came to meet you as soon as I heard you were coming...

 Henry: We just stopped by before returning to London. We heard there's a festival.

 Lucy: No... it is really quite a humble affair...

 Henry: It's said that you hold a grand pageant that even Her Majesty the Queen attended once.

 George: You see, recently, I've been thinking about building a new theater under my father's name...

 Lucy: That seems like a truly great venture...

 George: So I'd like to visit any such festivals.

 Henry: I don't remember actually agreeing to this plan.

 George: Her Majesty the Queen truly loves watching various live performances. And if we gain her favor, we can finally compete against the dominating power of the Cecil family.

 Henry: You should leave politics to those who actually want to do political work.

 George: But this is our chance!

 Henry: My son is beginning to annoy me. Do you have nothing recreational here at all?

 Lucy: I'm afraid the pageant has been ... replaced. However... This evening of there will be something of a sideshow, if it pleases...

 George: A sideshow?

 Lucy: Yes... you could refer to it as... "A gentleman's education"...

 >Henry exits with Thomas Lucy, leaving George behind.

  Scene 5: Six Years Earlier - The May Festival

[The May Festival]

> As the dark curtain rises, and a tall maypole can be seen standing amongst the dancers. They begin dancing with the attached ribbons which are the colors of newly blooming flowers. As George leaves the stage, he runs into William.

 George: This must be the festival...

 William: Ack!

 George: Sorry...

 William: Excuse me! I'm in a hurry!

 George: Going to the festival?

 William: Ah- yes! Pardon me!

 >George notices William has dropped something.

 George: What's this? ... A play?

 >The ribbons attached to the maypole braid together as the people dance without tangling or running into each other, in a type of folk dance.

>Anne and Paris are dancing. Paris keeps dancing happily towards Anne, who is grossed out. William finally arrives.

 Benvolio: What's this? Look who showed up!

 Mercutio: Alright, let's dance!

 >William joins but only in the interest of finding Anne. The partners continue to change, so William continues dancing until he finds Anne. When they meet, the world around them seems to stop.

 Anne: You!

 William: (Taking Anne's hand)  If I profane with my unworthiest hand this holy shine, what gentle fine is this My lips, two blushing pilgrims,  ready stand to smooth that rough touch with a tender kiss

 Anne: You're kind of strange, you know. Are you always like this?

 William: No, you've made me like this. You've given life to the words within me.

 >Time seems to resume.

 Paris: Hey! Get away from her! You're not her dance partner!

 William: Too bad for you, the only one dancing with her today is me!

 >Paris goes after William. Just then, the dancing resumes. William takes Anne's hand and leads her into the dance, running away. In the dance, William deftly avoids the ribbons, but Paris does not. Gradually, Paris gets more tangled in the ribbons until he is all tied up against the pole.

 Festival People: Hey non nonny nonny, hey nonny! x4

 >When the dance is over, Paris is left struggling against the maypole. Bartholomew goes to help him, freeing Paris from the ribbons.

 Paris: You! I'm not finished with you yet!

 Mercutio: Hey now...

 >The now free Paris begins to head towards William in anger.

 Sir Lucy's Servant: Presenting, Sir Thomas Lucy, accompanied by the Minister of the Imperial Household, Lord Chamberlain Henry Carey and his son Lord George.

 >As the fanfare sounds, the announced people enter. Carey and his son are following Lucy. John and Mary Shakespeare join them. The surrounding festival goers separate to either side.

 John: Citizens! For many years, I have dutifully served the mayor of this town. And now, on this day, I would like to share this moment of honor with you.

 Man: What this drunkard means to say is that he's drowning in debt!

 Man: Were you finally able to pay it all back?

 John: (unfazed) I ... will be presented with a title of minor nobility!

 William: What??

 Paris: What did you say?

 John: And this is the new official coat of arms for my house! (John takes out a ragged paper and unravels it.)

 Woman: That's just an old scribble! (Everyone laughs)

 John: It is a design. Sir Lucy, who you see before you, will be granting me this lordship himself. Here you are Sir Lucy, if you please.

 Lucy: Ah, the coat of arms. (Lucy takes the design from John.) Citizens. As you just heard, this man truly did apply for his family name to be elevated to a minor lordship.

 Man: So it's true!?

 Lucy: And it was his endless enthusiasm that truly... struck my heart.

 > Everyone begins to react in surprise. John seems quite satisfied.

 George: What is this bullshit...

 >Henry motions for George to stop.

 Lucy: And now... I have grown quite tired of it. So I hereby declare this once and for all - rejected! (He rips the design in half.)

 William: What?

 John: But... you said I was to be a gentleman...

 Lucy: Did you really think the likes of you could stand shoulder to shoulder with me? You're just a leatherworker. (He shoves the pieces of the design at John.)

 John: My... my dream...

 Paris: You can keep on dreaming old man!

 Woman: Isn't it nice someone bothered to wake you up to the real world?

 Lucy: Peasants like you should just try your luck in the next life.

 >Everyone is laughing at the ridiculed John.

 William: Don't make fun of people's dreams!!

 >The BGM becomes more intense. The indignant William comes to stand before his father.

 John: Will!

 Lucy: And who are you?

 William: The son of John Shakespeare!

 Lucy: Well 'son', do you really think to defy me?

 Paris: Sir Lucy, this guy is always spouting off about dreams, too! Wasting his time on poetry and plays.

 Woman: The father and son are both crazy, it must run in the family!!

 >Everyone is laughing at the Shakespeare family’s expense.

 William: Yeah, you're right! Maybe I am crazy. But what's wrong with having a dream? You just remember this! Someday, Her Majesty the Queen herself will come to watch my plays!

 George: The Queen will...?

 Lucy: What a joke. I should have you arrested for contempt. 

>The guards move forward.

 Mercutio: Let's all calm down! He didn't really mean it. 

>Benvolio and Mercutio grab Will and hold him back.

 William: Never! My heart knows naught but freedom!

 Lucy: Don't be so conceited. You're nothing but a big fish in a little pond...

 William: Let me go!

 >Will manages to pull an arm free of Benvolio's grasp, the effort making him accidentally smack Lucy across the face.

 Lucy: Ahh?!

 William: Ah???

 Mercutio and Benvolio: Ahhh!

 Lucy: Arrest him!!!

 > William and the others are surrounded by soldiers. In their attempt to run away, they cause a giant commotion. Paris attempts to help the soldiers, but gets caught in the middle with William. In the commotion, Anne also accidentally slaps Paris. Somehow, the soldiers end up tangled in the maypole ribbons.

 William: This is you guys' fault!!

 Mercutio and Benvolio: What???

 >Anne tries to get to William but is dragged away by Bartholomew. William checks on his father before running away with Mercutio and Benvolio. The result of this commotion leads to the legend of "William stole Lord Lucy's deer and was banished from Stratford, leading him to travel to London".

 Lucy: Please forgive the commotion! How unsightly...

 George: So the Queen herself will want to see his plays, huh? It must be quite the masterpiece...

 Henry: George... be careful...

 Lucy: I want that William Shakespeare arrested! Tonight!

 Servant: Yes sir!

 Lucy: I will catch him and have him banished!

 George: William Shakespeare... He's quite the interesting guy... (laughs excitedly)

>Everyone exits the stage.

  Scene 6: Six Years Earlier, In front of the Hathaway home

Benvolio: Did we manage to get away?

 Mercutio: Somehow...

 William: Sorry about this...

 Benvolio: Seriously.

 Mercutio: Well, what are friends for?

 Benvolio: But if we get caught tonight we'll be in big trouble.

 Mercutio: Once things have calmed down, we'll have to go beg for forgiveness.

 Benvolio: Right. But for now, let's split up.

 Mercutio: I'll go this way.

 Benvolio: Let's meet up later!

 William: Yeah...

 >The two friends go their separate ways. William looks around. Behind him, Paris appears. Upon seeing William, he turns and runs away 

>The dark curtain lifts and the Hathaway home can be seen in the moonlight.

 William: Anyway... where should I go? Wait... what is that light? (Upon seeing Juliet on the balcony, Shakespeare is overcome with words.) It is the east! And Anne is the sun... Arise, fair sun, and kill the envious moon! Who is already sick and pale with grief...

 >The black curtain rises, leading to a parody of the Romeo and Juliet balcony scene.

 Anne: Ah...

 William: Part thine lips and speak, my bright angel!

 Bartholomew: SISTER!!! (Will falls over and Bartholomew joins Anne on the balcony.) They're saying once this William Shakespeare is captured, he'll be banished!

 William: (in a small voice) What??

 Anne: Is that so?

 Bartholomew: That guy is no longer a member of this town! He is an enemy to us all! (He leaves the balcony.)

 Anne: Will... William Shakespeare. Banished? To say you are our enemy... but that is just your name. What is a name? A rose by any other name would smell just as sweet.  Will... cast away your name! Cast away that name which has no part of you, and rather take me in its stead.

 William: I choose you, just as you say! Call me but "lover" and that shall be my new name henceforth.

 Anne: Who's there?

William: By what name to call myself, I know not how to answer you. My name, dearest, is hateful even to myself… because it is but an enemy to you.

 Anne: Will... Were you listening?

 William: Well, yeah.

 Anne: Everything? Eavesdropping is terrible you know!

 William: No, it was wonderful! I'm coming up to you now! (He begins to climb the tree.)

 Anne: What are you doing? It's dangerous!

 William: It's fine! I'm pretty confident in my ability to climb trees.

 Anne: But how are you even climbing it? And why? These garden walls are high and difficult to climb.

 William: With love's light wings did I climb these walls. For no stone heights can keep love out! And what all love can accomplish, that love dare even attempt.

 Anne: This isn't the time for poetry! If they find you, you'll be banished...

 William: I don't care! I can't bear the thought of losing you!

 Anne: But...

 William: So, please marry me!

 Anne: What?? Marry you?

 William: I already understand how you feel from hearing your words.

 Anne: That... I didn't think you would be listening...

 William: I also love you. You are my goddess of words!

 Anne: Will…

 >Start music: [The Day Words Were Born Reprise]

>The two come to understand one another, and they share a kiss.

 Bartholomew's voice: Sister? Could you come down here?

 Anne: It's my little brother...

 Bartholomew's voice: I need to talk to you! Can't you hear me?

 Anne: He's coming this way! You need to hide!

 William: Great timing! Let's go meet him.

 Anne: What?!

 William: Come on, let's go.

 >Holding hands, the two descend the stairs. The stage turns, revealing the inside of Hathaway house. Thomas Lucy, Paris, soldiers, and the captured Mercutio and Benvolio are waiting below.

 Lucy: So you were hiding here.

 Paris: Come here Anne! That guy is going to be banished for life.

 William: Anne and I are going to marry! So what she does is not any of your business.

 Lucy: Well, that settles it then. Arrest him!

 Soldiers: Yes sir!

 >The soldiers separate the couple and take William into custody.

 Anne: Will!

 >George and Henry appear.

 George: Stop! I wish to speak with that man.

 Lucy: Sir George?

 George: Shakespeare. You said you "will write plays that even Her Majesty the Queen will want to watch". Are those words true?

 William: It may sound like a silly dream... but I'm serious!

 George: I will be taking custody of this man.

 Henry: George!

 George: If you've nowhere else to go, why don't you come with me?

 William: Go with you where?

 George: To London!

 William: And what would I do in London?

 George: Plays. You will write them for my theater troupe.

 William: I can write plays?

 George: Yes.

 William: But... why?

 George: This script here, you wrote it correct?

 William: Yes.

 George: These are some nice words. They can really move people's hearts...

 Lucy: Sir George! I'm afraid I cannot consent to this!

 George: You've banished this man from your lands. So whatever he does from here doesn't concern you, does it?

 William: Let me do it! I want to try!

 George: Father, I will take all responsibility for this. Please, allow it!

 Henry: I understand. Then you may as well try.

 George: I'll also allow you to marry this young lady.

 William: Really? Anne! It's a dream come true!

 >The two embrace. Bartholomew and Paris are freaking out in the corner.

 George: However, first you must come to London by yourself.

 William: By myself?

 George: You can return and visit on holidays. Once you've become successful, you can live together as a couple.

 William: Anne... I will definitely come back for you. Can you wait for me till then?

 Anne: Yes!

 William: First, we will have our wedding. And then, I'll go to London!

 [From Wedding to London]

 >The music increases. As everyone exits the stage, the scenery changes to create a path to London. George and Will walk the path to London. Anne watches them walk away. Hamnet appears, helping his mother to put on her coat.

 Anne: I watched you leave all those years ago, as if watching you walk straight into your dreams. Since that day... it's been six years. And now, today... In this city to which we have traveled London. Facing the days that come with your words…. And by tomorrow there shall be no one who does not know your name!

 >On the stage, Elizabeth I and the people of London come out. In the center, Richard and Condell finish the play of Romeo and Juliet. The other actors come to meet them and accept the applause.

 All: William Shakespeare! William Shakespeare! Shakespeare! Shakespeare! Shakespeare! Shakespeare!

 >The actors all bow and wave to the people.

  Scene 7: The Theater, Romeo and Juliet

[Will in the World]

 >Will appears on stage. Anne turns to face him. He is different from all those years ago. 

>Anne and Hamnet watch Shakespeare as he moves across the stage. The people in the background begin moving in start-and-stop motion. William has found his place, his role, in the world in pursuing his dreams.

 William: All the world's a stage And all the men and women in it merely players Standing upon the stage Until the day they take their final bow. As many people as there are in this world so, too, number their feelings. We live through a repetition of words… To share joy To express love At times even to wound Or to bring war Words expressed from one person to another Feelings shared from one person to another Chance meetings Passing differences They illuminate that never ending road… And so, while seeking out their inner light People continue to live! Will in the World Listening to the resounding prayer of the world Will in the World Seeing the desires that fulfill this world. As long as people's feelings never run out words will continue to fill the skies! Will in the World All the world's a stage And to write everything in it, is my role For those appearing upon the stage Until the day they take their final bow Will in the World

  Scene 8: The Carey Family, George and Bess

>The Carey father and son appear, followed by George's wife, Bess.

  George: Well, what do you think? My expectations weren't wrong, were they?

 Henry: That is true. Her Majesty the Queen is quite taken with his plays. She even desires to meet him. You'll probably be summoned in the near future.

 George: Yes.

 Henry: However, if your ambitions start to get out of hand, you'll cause your own downfall. What you've accomplished so far is more than even I expected. But... leave the Privy Councilor, William Cecil, alone. You don't want to make him your enemy.

 George: I'll keep that in mind.

 Henry: Right. Well, I'll leave the management of the troupe to you. For the most part.

 George: Yes.

 >Henry leaves.

 George: Bess, what do you think?

 Bess (Reimi Urara): To stay lingering in the back of people's hearts, carefully creating lines of division... His words have quite a power to them.

 George: Well, thanks to how popular the performances have been.

 Bess: But are you really satisfied with just that?

 George: It's not bad. Even her Majesty is interested in the plays.

 Bess: You only ever pay attention to the Queen. Did you not witness it? The enthusiasm of the people...

 George: Enthusiasm of the people?

 Bess: If you use William's words to your advantage, you can sway the hearts and opinions of the people...

 George: But, there's also what my father said. If we aim too high, it could come back to hurt us.

 Bess: Fearing something that hasn't even happened isn't very manly. What is it that you really, truly want?

 George: I want... to obtain power in England.

 Bess: Well, the Queen is buying into William and his plays. And William is already in the palm of your hand.

 George: But what do I do?

 Bess: Use him as your tool. Once everything goes well, your father will come to understand.

 George: Bess. You always inspire me. Such an amazing wife...

 Bess: But first, you need to bring that country boy William Shakespeare to bridle.

 [The Sudden, Disappearing Light]

 George: I am different from my father. William… I will use your talents for my own ambitions.

>George begins to sing with Bess dancing around him.

 Stuck in yesterday, every last one of those foolish people turned to dust. The road leading towards death is lit only by dim and fleeting lights. And as of tomorrow and its coming glory the foolish people look away from it. Living this life now I'll show them what it means to be a victor! Like the sun, forever shining into eternity... To lead a life walking around as a mere silhouette… Those actors are pathetic. Even now standing on that stage no matter how hard they try to act, once their moment is over they will simply disappear. To become victorious in this life, and to surpass such a pathetic fate, I'll show you how it’s done. I'll leave my mark on the right side of history. Before the end Before this road disappears Only I will be known as the victor, and my name remembered through history!

 >He kisses Bess and scene over.

  Scene 9: A Life in London: Shakespeare and Anne

 >William, Anne, and Hamnet have begun their life in London. Anne stands in a mirror, viewing her new dress, a present from William, while accompanied by William and Hamnet. The stage turns. 

[Family Life]

Anne: Will, what is this dress?

 William: I got a recommendation for this tailor who works for the palace!

 Anne: This is much too grand for me...

 William: Nonsense! It looks great on you!

 Anne: But... why?

 William: Our new lives together have only just begun! However, I will make sure that our lives are greater than you could have ever dreamed. That dress is proof of my promise to you.

 Hamnet: Promise!

 Anne: Thank you, William.

 Hamnet: Mama's beautiful!

 >Anne notices something on the desk.

 Anne: What's this? A new play?

 William: Yeah... "The Winter's Tale". There's a king and queen... and a prince, too! (He rubs Hamnet's hair playfully.)

 Hamnet: Is it me??

 Anne: Three dark months had sour'd themselves to death... At that time didn't you utter unto me "I am yours, forever..." Where's the rest?

 William: I haven't written it yet. I'm still thinking about it. (He takes it and puts it back on the desk.)

 Anne: I see. Well, when you finish it, will you let me read it?

 William: Of course.

 >There's a knock at the door.

 Anne: I'll see who it is.

 Hamnet: Papa, will we be able to live together all the time now?

 William: Yes! We will always be together!

 >John appears, disheveled and holding a mug of ale.

 Anne: Will...

 John: It's been a while!

 William: Father... Why are you here?

 John: Well, you know... it's just... life's been a little, you know... difficult...

 William: You need money?

 John: ... Yeah.

 >Will retrieves a bag of coins and hands them over.

 William: Is that enough?

 John: Yeah! Sorry about this.

 William: If that's everything, then leave.

 Anne: Will...

 John: Hey, won't you come home, William?

 William: Home? I'm not like you. I'm finally achieving all of my dreams. You want me to throw that away and return home?

 John: Your mother misses you, you know. And if things stay like this, what will become of our home?

 William: So I should return to Stratford and... what? Become a leatherworker? You're just jealous!

 John: No!

 William: If it's money you want, I'll give you whatever you need. But that money isn't from some stupid leather gloves, it's from the plays that you hate so much! Do you understand that? If you do, then get out! This is MY home!

 >Hamnet begins to cry. George appears in the doorway.

 George: What's all this commotion?

 William: It's nothing.

 George: I came to get you. We have to go.

 William: All right, let's go.

 John: William!

 William: I'm going to an audience with Her Majesty the Queen. That's something that a leatherworker could never do!

 >William and George leave. Anne comforts a crying Hamnet. A discouraged John stands silently.

  Scene 10: Audience with Elizabeth the First

>In the audience chamber of Queen Elizabeth the First. The chorus of God Save the Queen begins. Noble ladies and royal musicians come onto the stage.

 [God Save the Queen]

 Noble Ladies and Musicians: God save our gracious queen Long live our noble queen God save the queen!

 >The music picks up. On opposite sides of the stage, two young noblemen appear to praise the queen.

 Southampton (Aizuki Hikaru): God save our queen!

 Head Lady in Waiting: The Earl of Southampton, Sir Henry Wriothesley!

 >He poses with a Tudor rose, making a sultry face.

 Ladies: Kyaaa!

 Essex (Sakuragi Minato): God save our Queen!

 Head: The Earl of Essex, Sir Robert Devereaux!

 >He poses with a saber, making a sultry face.

 Ladies: Kyaaa!

 Southampton and Essex: God save the Queen!

 Head: Our Queen, Her Majesty Elizabeth the First!

 >All the ladies pose as the Queen rises on the central platform. The two Earls go to escort her. She dances with them as she sings.

 Ladies and Musicians: God save our gracious Queen! Long live our Noble Queen! God save the Queen!

 Elizabeth (Miho Keiko): My only spouse is that of England and all the people in it are my beloved children

 Courtmen: We who defeated Spain (With Ladies:) England! In our Golden Age (with Ladies) None can stand against us!

 Elizabeth: Established in God's name we went to battle

 Courtmen: And were victorious!

 Elizabeth: And I lead the people to...

 Men: God save the Queen!

 Essex: ... The New Age...

 Men: The Golden Age forever!

 Southampton: ... of England!

 Southampton and Essex: And we shall protect it!

 Elizabeth: Adorned with a glamorous headdress And gorgeous dress… Loneliness and thirst must stay hidden within my heart For I must fulfill my role as Queen!

 Men: God save the Queen!

 Elizabeth: I truly love my country

 Men: The Golden Age forever!

 Elizabeth: I truly love my children

 Men: God save the Queen!

 Elizabeth: But who could offer me true love?

 Men: The Golden Age forever!

 Elizabeth: Without knowing that kind of love I still act the mother! I'm the Virgin Queen Elizabeth!

 >Everyone defers to the Queen who sits on her throne in the center of the stage.

 Baptisto: Your majesty, how do you like the song we prepared for you?

 Elizabeth: It's too flashy, isn't it? Is this really what Our image is supposed to be?

 Baptisto: Then... we will continue to rework it for you...

 >Baptisto and the royal musicians leave. On the opposite side, William follows George into the room.

 George: Your majesty. I have brought the playwright, William Shakespeare.

 >They bow.

 Elizabeth: Good. Please, raise your head, for it is difficult to speak this way. Your play... We truly enjoyed it. We wish to offer you a gift in return. Is there anything you desire?

 William: A gift... Then, if you don't mind, there is something I would request of Your Grace to consider...

 Elizabeth: State it.

 William: I would request my family name, Shakespeare, to be raised to the status of gentleman and granted a coat of arms.

 Brooke (Mirei Jun): A coat of arms?

 Edmund (Mitsuki Haruka): That's not something a nobody from the country needs.

 Cecil (Rinjo Kira): Also, you've only managed to produce one successful performance. You seem to have a misunderstanding about the situation....

 Southampton: Ha ha ha. Privy Councilor... for the top politicians of England to not understand the value of Shakespeare's words... I wonder if you can really continue like that into the foreseeable future?

 Edmund: Shut up, Southampton.

 Elizabeth: Silence. Shakespeare, this request of yours, We will consider it. It will depend upon your upcoming works. We expect well of you.

 >William bows.

 Elizabeth: Today's audience is finished.

  Scene 11: Hampton Court

>Southampton and Essex follow William out.

 Essex: I saw your play. It was really wonderful.

 Southampton: Those old men don't understand the value of your work.

 George: My comrades, Southampton and Essex. They are well versed in knowledge of the arts.

 Essex: How is it? Your first time in the palace.

 William: It's beautiful... That’s the only word that comes to mind.

 George: However, the world is a strange thing. The beauty visible to us only hides something else writhing beneath its skin.

 William: "Writhing?" What is?

 George: Do you want to know? What do you think, will you become our ally?

 William: Ally?

 George: Once we leave the palace, we can speak more.

>William and the others leave.

>The four privy councilor followers appear.

 Brooke: Those youngsters... they're just taunting us with the good favor they have with the queen.

 Robert: About that... a strange rumor has cropped up lately... That among them is the Queen's illegitimate child...

 Brooke: You mean Southampton, Essex, or Hansdon's son?

 Edmund: If there truly is an illegitimate child among them, then what?

 Brooke: Her Majesty is also beginning to age. In the not so distant future, she will have to officially name an heir.

 Cecil: Only the most suitable candidates should be considered. And since bloodlines, in this case, may not be a deciding factor... it should be us.

 Edmund: The trouble is how widespread this rumor is. There is already great distrust towards the palace and nobility amongst the common people. Even within the palace those guys are getting rather popular...

 Cecil: More so than us, I suppose.

 Edmund: So... what should we do?

 Cecil: Watch them, but don't get caught. If you see anything suspicious, we'll arrest them and send them to the Tower of London.

 Robert: Yes, father.

 Edmund: What kind of prey will we catch, I wonder...

>They leave, laughing manically. The area changes again.

  Scene 12: The Awakening of Desire

>The departure of the old men and the arrival of William's group overlaps.

 George: As the nobility constantly push and pull at each other in a struggle for power, Cecil uses his authority to dominate the court. That is the truth of the world you called beautiful.

 Essex: We are working together to overthrow Cecil.

 Southampton: But in the palace, our allies are few.

 George: So, we must make allies outside. The momentum we need to overthrow Cecil will come from the people of this country.

 William: Such ambition and desire... And what do you plan to do after?

 George: We will take the power from Cecil into our own hands!

 Essex: For that purpose we need your influence.

 William: I don't have that kind of influence...

 Southampton: Not true. Your words have the power to influence people's hearts.

 William: What are you asking me to do...

 George: You will write what we need, according to my ideas.

 William: I only write what I like. I don't follow other people's ideas.

 George: Right... You only ever write your own way... You follow your own desires.

 William: What do you mean my own desires?

 George: I wonder... Bess!

 >Bess enters, bringing forth Emilia.

 George: Emilia Bassano. She's a witch who can reveal your true desires... Our Dark Lady.

 >Trance like music begins. Emilia begins to dance while singing her lines, holding a pipe.

 Emilia (Hoshikaze Madoka): The true desires swirling within your heart I shall reveal them to you

Essex, you are a courageous man who desires to complete great feats of valor for Ireland.

Southampton, you wish to be heir to the Queen, and save the future of England!

 >Southampton and Essex seem to have become captives of Emilia's words and smoke.

 George: Well then, why don’t you have a look at your own desires...

 >William, like the others, is drawn in by the smell of Emilia's pipe and enraptured by her charm.

 William: Stop it!

>He pushes her away.

William: This isn't real!

 George: Fairies, witches, magic... You said in Stratford that you could hear the whispers of such legends. But now it looks like you've become tainted from your life in London.

 William: What are you saying?

 George: You don't want to go back, do you? To that little hometown of yours. You want to live with your family, here, in London. So remember who it was that brought you here.

 William: So, you're saying I have to follow you if I want to stay?

 George: Through the pulsating beat  Even if you have to strain your ears You should listen to your true desires

 William: Toward the outpouring words I strain my ears Only with that height of passion Do I ever want to write

 George:                                                William: Don't deceive yourself   Status…   A coat of arms …                     Status… A coat of arms… Why do you seek it?                                The reason I seek it is… Is it truly to grant...                                                                My father's dream! Your father's dream?                                                             For my family's sake... Not only for your family... You want it for yourself... Praise and applause...                            Praise and applause… Fame                                                    Fame…                                                             is what I really want! Could you really say that you don't? If you follow me                                     If I follow you... It will be so easy Just write the words!                               Write! Write all you can                                    Write all I can

And as a result, you                                the result.... Will have all you ever wanted                  in the palm of my hand Praise Fame Applause                            Praise Fame Applause everything you seek                                everything I seek

 4 Men: Now is the time to wake up! As the turning wheels of history Sound through the night Spread your wings

(with girls) towards tomorrow Push                                                     (echoed by William) Push

yourself                                                 myself

and flap your wings                                and flap my wings

(Together) towards that dream even unto the point that you fall

 George: You must write. If you write enough, you will achieve fame. And with fame, acclamations  ... More than you ever dreamed. Trust me. If you follow me, you'll have all you ever wanted. Just do as I say.

 >William takes George's hand.

  Scene 13: Performance Medley: William's Transformation

>William, under the direction of George, begins to write more and more. Anne begins to notice a change in him. In a desperate attempt to be risen to nobility, he moves from work to work without rest.

 [A Midsummer Night's Dream]

 People of London: Shakespeare’s new work is being staged! A trickster fairy A tangled love affair such commotion in the fairy's forest home!

A Midsummer Night’s Dream!

 >The stage reveals the last scene of AMND. Oberon and Titania sing while Puck dances. Behind them, on a raised platform, Will continues to write furiously under George's watchful gaze.

 Oberon: By the drowsy, dying fire Offering soft light unto this home

 Titania: Let us dance, and with our song, Offer our blessing unto this home.

 >Oberon, Titania, and Puck stop. The still writing William finishes a new play and offers the script to George. The stage turns.

 London People A:                                 People B: Shakespeare!                                          Playwright Shakespeare!                                          of miracles! (Together) Banzai! The King of theater!

 James: Amazing! "Romeo and Juliet" wasn't just dumb luck...

 Richard: I know... The fervor of the crowd is so intense...

 George: William's written another one. This is next.

 >William continues to write without resting, causing Anne to worry.

 Anne: You don't look so well... Have you been sleeping?

 William: I'm fine. I have to finish the next script.

 Anne: You don't have to push yourself so hard...

 William: Would you please just let me concentrate?!

 Anne: I'm sorry... I'm just worried about you...

 William: I'm sorry, too... Please understand this is my work. I'm going out for a while.

 [Julius Caesar]

 People: Shakespeare's newest work is being performed!  A tragedy set in Ancient Rome Julius Caesar!

 >Caesar is assassinated.

 People: Aaah!

 >George circles the people while singing as the stage turns.

 George: Deep in people's hearts…

Desire sleeps well if you nourish it enough it will soon begin to grow larger...

 >Backstage of the theater

 Richard: Welcome! Lady Shakespeare isn't it?

 James: It's quite rare for you to come see a show.

 Anne: Will hasn't been home. He's here in the theater, isn't he?

 James: Well, I mean, yes he's generally here...

 Richard: He's writing nonstop. It's as if something has possessed him.

 Anne: Is that so?

 Richard: I'll go get him for you.

 Anne: No, it's fine. He's working, right?

 >William appears from stage left.

 William: James!

 James: You've already written another one?

 William: Ah- Anne? Why are you here?

 Richard: You shouldn't have to ask why, right? You've not been home so your wife is worried...

 William: If I'm not at home, then you know I'm either at the theater or with George, right?

 Richard: You... that's not what this is about.

William: Stop trying to interfere between me and my wife! The only words that should be coming from your mouth are the words I write.

 Richard: What? Say that again!

 Anne: Will, stop!

 Richard: Don't give me that tone. I can leave this theater whenever I damn well please!

 James: Richard!

 >As a performance has just ended, the cheering suddenly increases. George appears.

 People: William! William! William! William!

 George: William, they're calling for you!

 >The stage begins to turn.

 William: I'm coming.

 >From the chanting audience, Shakespeare's father John appears, watching William from afar. He disappears offstage.

 People: William! William! William!

Shakespeare! Shakespeare! Shakespeare! Shakespeare!

 >As the stage rises, the people see William. They circle him before lifting him down, somewhat fantasy like.

 William: Even with the fading cheers My heart remains unfulfilled How much should I write… In order to find peace?

 >William steps away from the crowd and approaches George on the steps.

 [Macbeth]

 People: Shakespeare's next work is...

 William: What kind of story should I write next?

 People: Macbeth! Macbeth! Macbeth!

 >The Macbeth performers appear. The Three Witches and Lady Macbeth dance.

 George: "Macbeth" A knight burning with ambition that defeats the king!

 People: Ahh x6 (In time with the actors' movements)

 William: Ah, it's similar to your current situation. And the outcome?

 George: What's important is how we influence the people's interest in politics. So, I leave the ending up to you. Also... About Anne...

 William: What about her?

 >George whispers something to him. Will goes to find her, walking in on her speaking closely with Richard.

 William: What are you talking about?

 Richard: Nothing important really.

 Anne: I was asking Richard to continue to support you...

 Richard: No no no... see, last time I said some things... well, you know, I really love your plays.

 William: No matter how I say it, you never actually listen, do you? (To Anne) I'm grateful. Your words have never accomplished such a feat as you've managed now. Richard is quite a difficult performer to pin down, after all.

 Anne: What do you mean by that?

 Richard: You... don't tell me you suspect…

 William: Suspect? Suspect what? What do you think I suspect? Unless there IS something like that for me to suspect!

 Richard: What... there's nothing like that between us!

 William: Do not come back to this theater. If you think you can still call yourself my family that is.

 Anne: I understand…

 Richard: William!

 >William thrusts the new papers to Richard.

 William: This is a new play. You'll perform it, won't you? Richard.

 >Richard angrily takes it and leaves. Anne is heartbroken. Will returns to his desk angrily. Anne begins to sing as the stage turns

 [I Cannot See]

 Anne: On the day our love was born I asked God that we may be together forever…. Those nostalgic days... Hand in hand you showed me such warmth And now, it has faded away...

 >The audience and performers appear. They all raise their eyes to William, applauding. George takes Macbeth's crown and places it on William's head. Oblivious to anything else, William accepts their praise.

 Anne: I cannot see… I truly cannot see… What it is that you now seek. I only wished to seek it with you That's all I ever hoped... Why... can I not see it? Please, tell me. Our love... Where has it gone?

 >Anne and Hamnet leave together hand in hand. Still wearing the stage crown, William returns home.

 William: Anne! Hamnet! Guess they're not here. Is this a letter?

 >William only now finds a pile of letters on his desk from Anne.

 [Letter]

 Anne Letter 1: Thank you for everything. And... Goodbye. I'm not sure I understand what's been happening myself even, but I hoped that we could be the thing you wanted most in life...

 >As William reads, the figures of Anne and Hamnet walk by in the background on their way to Stratford. Hamnet slows and suddenly begins to cough.

 William: "Goodbye, William..." When was this? When did this get here? When did these arrive?

 >He finds another letter.

 William: We've arrived in Stratford. I only thought to remove us from distracting you... but Hamnet has fallen ill…

 Anne Letter 2: Hamnet has fallen ill. On our travels back to Stratford, he began to run a fever… But I don't think it's serious. I think he'll be well again soon.

 >William moves on to the next letter, reading quickly. Anne's voice overlaps. She sounds worried.

 Anne Letter 3: Hamnet's fever isn't subsiding...

 Anne Letter 4: It's my fault things have come to this... But please, please come see your son! William!

 >As William rushes to leave, he runs into his father.

 William: Father!

 John: Why didn't you come home?

 William: What do you mean? I...

 John: Hamnet... your son...

 William: Hamnet? What's happened to him?!

 John: Your son...  is dead.

  Scene 14: The Death of Hamnet

>Speechless, William returns to his desk. As if on impulse, he attempts to write. But he cannot. He cannot see the words to write. His hands cannot even move. He screams. The sky is now empty.

 William: Anne... Hamnet...

 [Fading Colors, Endless Void]

 William: The words... have disappeared The words... are lost The words... have all died!

Even during the time When I thought we could live together The light was already gone. And in the darkness, I was standing alone. I couldn't see anything beyond that flame called desire... And I threw away those precious, burnt words that I can never read again!

That lost future,

I can never reach! This vacant shell

is all that remains of my body. Fulfillment has suddenly become emptiness…

Sadness never comes alone It always brings with it A long succession of sorrow

>The song ends and, walking brokenly, he exits stage left.

  Scene 15: Closure of the Theater, Exposition

>On the right side of the stage, the old men appear.

 Edmund: Well, we've left them alone until now.

 Brooke: These plays are becoming too political for my taste...

 Edmund: The number of policy makers paying more attention to his shows has been increasing as well.

 Brooke: But we don't really know how popular they are with the common folk...

 Cecil: But these plays are just a type of pipe dream, are they not?

 Robert: However, in the newest play “Hamlet”... there is a disturbing murder.

 Cecil: Who is murdered?

 Robert: You, father…

 >The stage opens on the murder of Palonius. Hamlet faces Gertrude after freeing his sword.

 Gertrude: What are you doing? Someone, someone help!

 Palonius: Someone? No one is here!

 Hamlet: Die, you rat!

 Palonius: Aaa...

 >He is killed by Hamlet.

 Man: Ha! "William Cecil" is dead!!!

 >The crowd is laughing. Hamlet must act through the laughter.

 Hamlet: You! Thou wretched and intruding fool! Farewell! I took thee for they better.

 >The acting continues silently.

 Robert: Of course, they are merely actors on a stage. But it is clearly meant to be representative of you, father.

 Cecil: Prepare a warrant for their arrest.

 Robert: Yes.

 >William, George and the others come on the opposite side of the stage.

 Essex: Hamlet seems to be pretty popular!

 George: The people are always interested in what Shakespeare will write next.

 Southampton: That's true.

 George: Next will be about Richard the Second. The story of how he was succeeded by Henry the Fourth.

 Essex: Richard the Second alluding to the Queen, and Henry the Fourth as Southampton, right?

 George: Who should be the one to succeed the Queen... We'll tighten the noose, and start creating dissent among the current regime.

 Essex and Southampton: Oooh.

 William: I'm sorry... but I can no longer write.

 George: What was that?

 William: The words have disappeared.

 George: Then what? You'll just quit? What about your coat of arms? Your dream of being named a gentleman?

 >George grabs Shakespeare by the shoulders, gripping hard.

 William: I have already lost everything. My wife... My child... What am I supposed to write for?

 George: You write for me! That's what!

 >The audience suddenly erupts in screams.

 Essex: What's happening?

 >Soldiers enter the theater.

 Edmund: This performance has been accused of inciting dissent against the crown. Soldiers! In the name of Lord William Cecil, evacuate and shut down this theater!

 Soldier Leader: George Carey, Earl of Southampton, Early of Essex, Playwright Shakespeare. You are under arrest for suspected treason against Her Majesty the Queen.

 >The audience members leave the stage.

  Scene 16: The Queen's Order

>William and the others are brought before the Queen. The four of them kneel.

 Elizabeth: Rise.

 Cecil: We suspect these four men of high treason... They should be taken to the Tower of London and tortured until they confess…

 Elizabeth: Shakespeare... after the talent you showed with "Romeo and Juliet", that you would be complicit in such a conspiracy... you disgrace yourself.

 William: It is as you say, my Queen.

 Essex: No, Your Majesty. He's done nothing of the sort.

 Southampton: He only wrote what we instructed him to. Please, forgive him at least!

 Elizabeth: It’s too late. The crime of deceiving people's hearts is a heavy one.

 Southampton: That only proves his talent and worth!

 Cecil: And he's drowned himself with that talent. Writing such plays... could he really not see where that would lead him?

 >Old men begin to laugh.

 Southampton: How dare you!

 William: It's fine. I can no loner write anyway.

 Elizabeth: You three, why do you try to protect him?

 Southampton: If you erase his talent from this world, you would surely regret it!

 Essex: And even one hundred years from now, the people would blame Your Majesty for that loss.

 Cecil: There are plenty of playwrights in the world.

 Essex: But there is only one Shakespeare!

 >George, watching the situation, begins to speak calmly.

 George: Your Majesty, just as Essex has spoken, Shakespeare is truly one of a kind. And I know that Your Majesty truly loves the theater from the bottom of your heart... However, I dare to say that you do not know the true essence of it.

 Elizabeth: The true essence of theater?

 George: To reflect the hearts of the people, and transport us through travels of an unknown world.

 Elizabeth: Can you do this?

 Shakespeare: Perhaps I could have before. However, since losing my wife and child… the words have disappeared from within me.

 George: And we can help him find those lost words. However, if we were to lose Shakespeare, his words would be lost to this world forever.

 William: Would you stop...

 George: Just shut up!

 Elizabeth: What do you propose?

 George: Allow us one last chance! To create a new play for Your Highness. If it is able to meet your expectations, we would be your pardon.

 Elizabeth: A new play, for Us?

 William: Hey, George!

 George: I'm sure it will offer great satisfaction.

 Elizabeth: Interesting. We will allow it.

 Three men: Thank you!

 Elizabeth: You said it will be a new work, written for Us? Then the play will be a journey to "an unknown world". And the theme will be... "the love between husband and wife".

 William: Husband and wife?

 Elizabeth: In Our lifetime, We have not taken a husband. For Us, who has lived without ever knowing that kind of love... Show Us what it truly means.

 William: For someone like me who has lost the heart of my beloved... I can't write something like that!

 Elizabeth: If you insist that it is impossible, then the four of you shall be sent to the Tower of London. However, We suppose it isn't fair for the fate of four people to rest on the shoulders of only one... You three will be the performers.

 Three men: WHAT???

 Elizabeth: You have one week. The theme: Love between husband and wife. We are really looking forward to this.

 >The Queen and her ladies leave. Cue the music.

  Scene 17: The Lord Chamberlain's Men

>The forward curtain closes, and a tavern appears behind the men.

 William: I told you that I can't write...

 George: You... idiot!!

 William: I told you I can't write, didn't I? What'll we do? Who's going to write this?

 George: No, no, no, no, you... do you know what an Iron Maiden is?! It's a torture device!!! It really HURTS... The Iron Maiden... Do you WANT to experience an iron maiden?

 Southampton: I don't wanna!

 Essex: Me either!

 William: But... you guys are the performers.

 George: The queen just likes attractive men. As long as we're easy to look at, it's fine. Look, please! Just write one more time. I believe your talent is the real thing. That's the only thing that hasn't changed since we first met.

 >Richard and the other players are in the tavern. Richard sees the four men.

 Richard: Well, who'd have thought? The playwright and the patron cajoling around together... What are you doing here?

 Essex: Discussing a new play.

 Richard: A new play?? Exactly whose fault do you think it is that we don't have anywhere to perform anymore??

 James: Don't start that...

 Heming: But, we are all performers!

 Pope: To lose our stage, our place to be… we may as well be dead.

 George: We have a place to perform. Would you all be willing to support us?

 Kemp: Where are you performing?

 Essex: At the palace.

 Armin: And the audience?

 Southampton: Her Majesty, the Queen. If it all goes well, we could reverse the closure of your theater.

 Ben: And... if it doesn't?

 Southampton: ..

 Ben: Hey... say something!

 Richard: That bad, huh? So? This play... who's writing it?

 George: William, of course.

 William: I already told you it's impossible. I can't write anymore!

 Richard: I really want to be thankful for that... but then the Chamberlain's Men would really be disbanded. But frankly, I couldn't care less how you feel!

 >Richard punches William.

 Richard:You've been walking around like a goddamn king, and now this? You can't write anymore? You've only lost your writing, but Anne and Hamnet have suffered so much more than that!

 William: Don't you dare...

 Richard: What, don't talk about your family?? But you know, I loved Anne! That's right, you're suspicions were only half correct. But... I loved your plays just as much. It's like Anne always said. All the world's a stage, and all the men and women in it merely players. Both you, and Anne, have your roles to fulfill on this stage. And what is your role?

 William: My role... is the playwright.

 Richard: That's right. And as the playwright, what do you do?

 William: I write... everything.

 Richard: Are you finally waking up a little?

 William: Write? ... Honestly... I don't have the confidence...

 Richard: But still, you will write. That is the role you have, that no one else can perform.

 William: Because... that's my role.

 Richard: As you said, the troupe may be disbanded, but... The Queen as the audience... sounds interesting! As long as you write, I'll follow you. Because that's my role.

 William: Richard...

 Richard:  But first, write. Write until you can't write anymore.

 William: I'll try to do what I can. I'll try and find my words again and show you.

 Richard: Alright, everyone! If you're willing to go along with this, then raise your glass!

 >Everyone raises their glass.

 William: Everyone...

 Richard: Everyone here... we're all from different places, different backgrounds. But we are all here together because we all love the theater!

 [The Lord Chamberlain's Men]

>Richard begins to sing, and the others join in one by one.

 Richard: We the performers are but silhouettes

 Condel: Concealed within the lights of the stage

 Pope: Living on stage so as to reflect the world

 Heming and Kempe: We live while entrusting our every thought to the stage

 All: William Shakespeare!

 Richard: Together with William,

we will carve out a new era!

 All: William Shakespeare!

 William: Under a new flag, we shall all stand together!

 All: From that belief, to a newly painted future! Now, it is beginning, in this city of dreams! In London!

 >Everyone gathers around William in the center table excitedly. Richard silently exits out the back of the tavern. George follows him.

  Scene 18: Outside the Tavern

>Into the streets of London, outside the tavern, George speaks to Richard.

 George: You really saved us. You helped William get his drive to write back.

 Richard: You're pretty stubborn, too. I thought the next time I'd see you would be just your head on display at the London bridge.

 George: Yeah, really. In any case, things are like before. I'm here; the players are all here, and William's writing again. Everything should go well.

 Richard: You think so? With just this, we're bound to fail.

 George: You're rather pessimistic.

 Richard: The patron, the player, the playwright. It’s a nice assortment. But there's still one person missing.

 George: Who?

 Richard: Anne!

 George: Anne? Where is she now?

 Richard: Probably still in Stratford. Can't you use your influence to do something?

 George: I'll send someone for her. I wonder if she's willing though.

 Richard: She'll definitely come.

 George: Then let's try.

 >Southampton suddenly runs to them.

 Southampton: George! It's terrible! My role in the play…

 George: What's happened??

 Richard: Let's go back!!

  Scene 19: A Winter's Tale

>The performance for [A Winter's Tale] has begun. The theater is specially assembled for Her Majesty. On the right is the Queen's throne. On the left is a curtain separating the prep area for the troupe. Everyone is preparing, holding their lines. The light appears.

 Henry: This way, please.

 James: That's Anne isn't it?

 Ben: It's been a while!

 Anne: I was worried if I should even come.

 James: What are you saying? He'll be so happy you came!

 Ben: You're the Goddess of Words, right?

 Anne: I'm only here to watch. Once it's over, I'm going home.

 Henry: How's the end of the play coming along?

 Ben: William says he's going to perform it himself, so only he knows what's going to happen.

 Henry: So everything depends on William...

 Ben: The Queen's here!

 >Followed by her advisors and ladies, Elizabeth the First enters. Anne follows the others as William's performers get ready. The Queen sits. 

>Dressed in a costume like the sun, Richard comes on stage acting as "Time".

 Richard: Offering pleasure to some And yet trying ordeals to all You can refer to me as simply "Time" And now I raise the curtain of this enchanting tale!

 >They all dance with Time in the center. To the left, there seems to be some trouble with Condell.

 Condell: What to do... My legs aren't working properly...

 James: You just have to stand still in one pose for your part!

 Condell: Performing in front of the Queen... if I fail this, I'll die!

 Ben: Pope!

 Pope: What's wrong?

 Ben: It's Condell!

 Pope: At times like this we need... (Reveals a stuffed mouse)

Condell: Gyaaaa! (faints)

 James: He really fainted...

 Ben: What are we going to do?

 Pope: Hm, strange.

 James: I got it! Anne, come with me!

 Anne: What?

 James: Will said you were also a performer!

 Anne: Only for him! I've never been on a stage before!

 James: Please! All you have to do is stand there!

 Ben: You can change into the costume over here...

 >In the back, George, Southampton, and Essex come out for their scene The three are obviously nervous, drawing attention.

>George's normal air of intimidation falters as he tries to fearlessly move forward....

 Cecil: I wonder if he'll be ok?

 Henry: He'll be fine. He has to be.

 George: To... TO....

 >George's singing doesn't seem to come out. The dancers who are supposed to match their movements to his lyrics are having a difficult time. It doesn't seem to be going well...

 Bess: Dear... get a hold of yourself!

 >George and Bess's gazes meet across the room.

 George: Bess!

 Bess: Dear...

 George: You always manage to inspire me. Such an amazing wife.

 >Encouraged by Bess's gaze, he gathers his courage.

 George: Today, remove the covering from your eyes and see the start of this country's tale… With their new king Suspicion became a close friend to his heart making him suspect even the true love of his wife

 Essex: Through the mischief of fate the prince's life was forfeit

 Southampton: And that pitiable Queen, Hermione, followed soon after

 George: And so the King Leontes suffering grief in his heart lived out the rest of his days alone

 >William appears as King Leontes.

 William: Paulina… The statue you hold in your home looks so similar, so just like my lost queen... it makes me wish to bear my sins and guilt to it.

 Paulina: Your highness, please look closely. The likeness is there, but it is as if she sleeps deeper than death itself. Do you think your actions would accomplish anything?

>Anne, standing in as Hermione, is standing stock still as she is rolled forward on a platform. William, not realizing it is her, continues his performance.

 William: Paulina, please leave me.

 >Paulina exits.

 William: Our love reached to the ends of the earth And there, it was that love that I allowed to die. In time, there is only pain without the hope of healing… Within the bottom of my heart Only frozen snow continues to fall. Beyond the longest winter Even if spring were to visit This collected snow is still too deep. Even the light of the sun cannot melt it. Hence, allow me to follow my sorrow in sleep… Now! Sword! Send my foolish self to the side of my true wife With only a single thrust pierce through my foolish soul!

 >The music reaches its climax. William thrusts the sword into his side. Then he stops acting, turns to the Queen and bows.

 William: And that... is the end.

 Elizabeth: To follow his lost wife, the king commits suicide. Is there nothing else? It truly feels like a very half-hearted finale. What happens to their love?

 William: After this point... the words stopped coming. This was the outcome I arrived at. If I have caused you displeasure, please allow all the responsibility to fall on me.

 Elizabeth: Is that so... how truly disappointing

 >Anne suddenly reacts, removing the mask.

 Anne: No, Your Highness! It's not over yet!

 William: Anne!

 Anne: You can still write! You have the ability to put everything you see in the world into words.

 William: When Hamnet died, and I lost you.... the words disappeared. This is my punishment.

 Anne: That... was my fault.

 William: No! Nothing is your fault!

 Anne: How can you forgive me? If I hadn't forced him to travel, Hamnet might still be alive with us now.

 William: Despite that, the true guilt lies with me. If I hadn't turned my back on my family… what I did was unforgivable!

 Anne: Death... the theater... they took you from me. But I still love you! Remember your words...

 >She begins to sing acapella...

 Anne: As the May breeze sways through the tree tops…

You’ve only ever enjoyed writing.

 >Remembering the day they met in the woods, William is inspired by her words, finally breaking from his shell.

 Anne: If forgiveness is a testament to being human then forgiveness is what restores our humanity

 William: If forgiveness,

like happiness, sadness, grief, and all emotion, is a testament to being human…

 Then by mutually forgiving one another…

 Anne: People can find a way to move forward to tomorrow

 William: That which stretches between two people, dividing them,

 Together: That sadness... if we can forgive despite it Then we should be able to pass to a new day

 William: With forgiveness and not with blame,

If we face that sadness

 Together: And embrace it together

 Anne: We can begin to forgive ourselves

 Together: What was intolerable on our own

Through the cold of the passing winter

William: If we accept warmth

 Anne: Together

 Together: Then we can overcome it Until the day comes that spring dawns anew

 Chorus: Ahh x4

 Elizabeth: Before the King Leontes, the queen awakens. The two are able to love and forgive one another... the end.

William. The love between husband and wife that you have created... was truly a sight to behold. To forgive one another, and overcome sadness and pain… If We had been able to find a partner like that, perhaps We could have lived a bit more easily. William, Anne, from now on, please make sure to treasure one another.

 William: Yes, Your Majesty.

 Elizabeth: However! Women performing on stage is prohibited by law.

 James: Your Majesty... there was... some trouble...

 Elizabeth: Well, it's fine. We'll over look it out of consideration of the exceptional acting. Well then, it is time for your sentencing.

 [The Queen's Conclusion]

>Those involved bow to the Queen.

 Elizabeth: Southampton, Essex.

 >The two step forward.

 Elizabeth: We clear you both from suspicion. We want you both to head to Ireland immediately. We can use your power there.

 Southampton and Essex: Yes!

 Elizabeth: Those outfits look really good on you! You should look into a potential career in performing. George Carey!

 >George walks forward.

 Elizabeth: From reading one line, you had the insight to immediately recognize William's true talent. That insight is in and of itself a talent. We want you to oversee the creation of England's first official theater, with this troupe.

 James: That means our group...

 Elizabeth: We order you to resume your previous work.

 Richard: Yeah! We did it!!

 >All the performers behind George celebrate with him.

 Elizabeth: William, Anne.

 >The two step forward together.

 Elizabeth: Love is a truly difficult thing. It is both very fragile and very precious. For you, who have such a true love, We wish to offer you something to commemorate this day.

 William: Is that...?

 Elizabeth: The coat of arms for the Shakespeare family. Accept this. And from today forward the house of Shakespeare will be known by the title of "Gentleman".

 Condell: William is a Gentleman now?

 James: Congratulations!

 >All the troupe members celebrate as the stage goes dark. "Time" addresses the audience.

 Time (Richard): After this happy conclusion, I, who have received the role of Time, would like to speak to you a bit about the following history and destiny of our characters The Earl of Southampton and the Earl of Essex... Those two once again attempted to incite a rebellion, and were sent to the Tower of London. There, the Earl of Essex was executed. The remaining Southampton, after the death of Queen Elizabeth the First, was released.

George was known for his success of leading the Lord Chamberlain's Men to become the first royally sanctioned theater. And William Shakespeare... he built his own home in his hometown of Stratford. He lead a busy life, traveling back and forth between London and home. It was his fate to follow both paths, visiting each often. Now, let us celebrate this happiness.

 Scene 20: The Sky Filled with Eternal Words

>Beneath a large tree made of words, William is writing. Anne approaches. As the Queen begins the song, many people join in line by line. William comes to stand in the middle.

 [Will in the World]

Elizabeth: All the world's a stage and all the men and women in it merely players Standing upon the stage Until the day they take their final bow

 The Lord Chamberlain's Men: As many people as there are in this world so, too, number their feelings. We live through a repetition of words…

 >John and Mary also appear. John is carrying the received coat of arms.

 Southampton and Essex: To share joy to express love At times even to wound Or to bring war

 Carey Family: Words expressed from one person to another

Feelings shared from one person to another

 Everyone: Chance meetings… Passing differences… They illuminate that never ending road…

 William: And so, while seeking out their inner light

 All: People continue to live!

Will in the World

Listening to that resounding prayer of the world

Will in the World Seeing the desires that fulfill this world As long as people's feelings never run out Words will continue to fill the skies! Will in the world Will in the world Ah x9 Will in the World Ah x3