Gingaza PR
The patrons' reaction is excellent. We've also had contact from companies newly declaring themselves as sponsors.

Chief Director
I figured.

Gingaza PR
You don't look happy.

Gingaza PR
Gingaza demonstrated the weight of its history and authority. We succeeded in producing a Dai Star and saved face.

Chief Director
...The price for that may have been steep.

Gingaza Troupe Members
Did you see the press conference the other day?

Gingaza Troupe Members
The result was obvious, so I'm not interested. As expected, we were just stepping stones.

Gingaza Troupe Members
Are you dissatisfied with Senju-san's selection? It's natural for the skilled to be in their rightful place.

Gingaza Troupe Members
Then what about Yonaguni-san and Kurtbay-san? I didn't think Senju-san was the only strong one~.

Gingaza Troupe Members
Ugh, whatever. That doesn't matter! Compared to the dissatisfaction that this atmosphere will continue!

Gingaza Troupe Members
I'm more upset about the workshop matter than Senju-senpai. Why did they settle for dismissing only some participants?

Gingaza Troupe Members
Right. Senju-san's correctness in performing according to tradition was proven. ...In other words, Wolf-san was wrong, right?

Gingaza Troupe Members
I think Wolf-san's acting is amazing, no doubt about it. That's exactly why she should reconsider how she conducts herself.

Hibari
...

Judge A
Watase Hibari-san.

Hibari
-Huh!?

Hibari
I-I wasn't sleeping, I wasn't sleeping.

Judge B
Meditation before the decision is finalised? Heh heh, that's so like you.

Judge A
...May I confirm again? Why did you raise objections to Senju Koyomi's selection?

Hibari
I don't think I opposed strongly enough to call it an objection-

Judge A
'Benkei on the Bridge'...a weighty production befitting Gingaza. Especially Senju Koyomi.

Judge B
As expected of the Senju family's daughter, I'd say. With her at the centre, everyone's performance was magnificently coordinated.

Hibari
(Senju Koyomi at the centre...certainly. But there was one other person leading the stage.)

Judge A
While bearing the family name and the troupe's reputation, she showed us a Benkei that didn't pale in comparison to her predecessor.

Judge B
Such pressure was probably incomparable to other performers. Nevertheless, she met expectations. Wonderful.

Hibari
I generally agree.

Judge C
I see. Then I thought we'd generally agree on selecting Senju Koyomi for this selection as well-

Hibari
I think it's reasonable.

Judge A
You've been speaking as if there's something stuck in your teeth, Watase-san.

Judge B
If you have objections, why don't you state them clearly? There's no need to hesitate in this setting, is there?

Hibari
...An excellent stage is not made by one person alone.

Judge C
That's obvious. Wasn't the decision made including that in the evaluation?

Judge B
Indeed, the brilliance of stars other than her on this stage was also wonderful. But the one who shone brightest was Senju Koyomi.

Hibari
...Though not easily noticeable, Senju Koyomi also has fragility. When that's exposed, can she remain a Dai Star...

Judge C
I understand what you're trying to say, but unfortunately 'impact on the actor's future' is not considered in selection.

Judge B
If we considered that, we couldn't award titles that should be awarded. For now, shouldn't we simply praise her for shining amid tradition and pressure?

Judge A
Whether she'll be crushed by the weight of the given star or carry it and leap further-that's also an important future the actor will experience, isn't it?

Hibari
...You're right. Then, let's make Senju Koyomi the new Dai Star.

Hibari
-In 'Macbeth', which deviated from the royal road, Senju Koyomi was overshadowed by the completeness of Kurtbay in the Lady role.

Judge A
'Macbeth'...we touched on it in the previous meeting too.

Judge C
The subject of this evaluation is Gingaza's performance in 'Benkei on the Bridge'. We mustn't make that mistake.

Judge B
Senju Koyomi's performance building on her 'Macbeth' experience-that's what captivated us, isn't it?

Hibari
I understand that. However...

Hibari
While valuing tradition, Gingaza has experienced change. 'Macbeth' and 'Benkei on the Bridge' will be compared by the public too.

Hibari
That troupe can no longer return to the completely traditional path of the past. They must move forward while harboring internal distortion.

Hibari
In such circumstances, can Senju Koyomi maintain her current performance...a performance superior to others?

Hibari
What will happen to Gingaza, which can no longer remain as it was?

Hibari
These concerns could have a major impact on the future of the theatre world. ...That's what I thought.

Edit

Pub: 21 Dec 2025 16:16 UTC

Edit: 23 Dec 2025 22:12 UTC

Views: 5