All recorded versions of the last scene in “Romanesque Mask” as of writing. Thinking that her love Vicomte de Valmont has died in a duel, and that her own death is near at hand, Marquise de Merteuil finally shares her past hardships with the audience. However, Valmont returns, and they speak as one person to another, without pretence.
(As a side note, I am convinced that the first part was inspired by the female lead’s monologue in “Akanesasu Murasaki no Hana”, which was written and directed by the same person – Shibata Yukihiro – and first performed by Merteuil originator Hanafusa Mari.)
For a bit of context, “Romanesque Mask” is the Takarazuka adaptation of “Les Liaisons Dangereuses” by Choderlos de Laclos, written by prolific playwright Shibata Yukihiro for Takane Fubuki’s graduation. Main characters Valmont and Merteuil are terrible people, in keeping with the original work, but I think it’s worth watching as a critique of gender rules – Valmont’s narrative arc in particular is focused on him grappling with his masculinity. Also, the sophisticated, ruthless Merteuil is very different to the female characters typically seen in Takarazuka, and it’s great to see the various top musumeyaku shine in this unusual role! Also the staging and costumes are gorgeous.
Chapters:
00:00 1998 Snow Troupe production
06:59 2012 Cosmos Troupe production
14:46 2016 Flower Troupe production
22:06 2017 Flower Troupe production
Sources:
• 1997 Snow Troupe production – Takane Fubuki (高嶺ふぶき) & Hanafusa Mari (花總まり) – official DVD recording
• 2012 Cosmos Troupe production – Oozora Yuuhi (大空祐飛) & Nono Sumika (野々すみ花) – official DVD recording
• 2016 Flower Troupe production – Asumi Rio (明日海りお) & Kano Maria (花乃 まりあ) – official DVD recording
• 2017 Flower Troupe production – Asumi Rio (明日海りお) and Senna Ayase (仙名彩世) – official DVD recording
Availability:
All four productions are available on DVD.
More information:
• 1997 Snow Troupe production – https://www.takawiki.com/tiki-index.php?page=Romanesque+Mask+%2F+Golden+Days+%28Snow+1997%29
• 2012 Cosmos Troupe production – https://www.takawiki.com/tiki-index.php?page=Romanesque+Mask+%2F+Apasionado+II+%28Cosmos+2012%29
• 2016 Flower Troupe production – https://www.takawiki.com/tiki-index.php?page=Romanesque+Mask+%2F+Melodia+%28Flower+2016%29
• 2017 Flower Troupe production – https://www.takawiki.com/tiki-index.php?page=Romanesque+Mask+%2F+EXCITER%21%212017+%28Flower+2017%29