Jun Asami, the Top Star of Takarazuka Revue's Snow Troupe, speaks to the press in Takarazuka City, Hyogo Prefecture.
The Takarazuka Revue, an all-female musical theater troupe, will be presenting "Beau Brummell — A Man Too Beautiful" from November 1.
Staged by the Snow Troupe, the production is written and directed by Hirokazu Ikuta. It tells the story of George "Beau" Brummell, who rose through 18th-century British society thanks to his impeccable fashion sense.
Jun Asami, the Snow Troupe's Top Star (leading performer of male roles), will play the title character. She spoke to the press on October 15 and highlighted the tightly tailored costumes, which are different from her usual stage attire.
She said, "I want to create a performance that makes the audience want to imitate the style."
Beauty and Presence
Brummell, as portrayed by Asami, is celebrated as the father of dandyism for his sophisticated fashion and elegant manners.
Reflecting on the challenge of portraying a man famously described as "too beautiful," Asami admitted, "I felt nothing but pressure." She had studied the history of dandyism extensively to prepare for the role. "I want to honor both Brummell's passionate core and the background that shaped his ambition," she explained.
When asked about her own philosophy of beauty, Asami said, "I believe true beauty shines from within." She added, "I want to become a male-role performer who can 'speak' through presence."
Reflections as a Top Star
It has been about a year since Asami became a Top Star. Looking back, Asami said, "Seeing the cheerful, positive energy of the Snow Troupe members makes me feel that I belong here." She added warmly, "I hope I can be like the sun and shine on everyone around me."
This production also marks the graduation of Aya Yumeshiro, the Top Musumeyaku (leading female-role performer) and Asami's stage partner.
Asami said, "Although we haven't had many works as a top pair, the years we spent creating the stage together were incredibly meaningful. I hope she fully enjoys her final performance on the Takarazuka stage."
RELATED:
(Read the article in Japanese.)
Author: Akari Horiguchi, The Sankei Shimbun
