Casting for Macbeth (Part 1)

Chief Director: I will announce the casting for the next performance of Macbeth. The three main roles have been chosen. The rest will be decided by audition.

Ramona: So, the main roles have been chosen after all. I can't even be given the chance to compete for a role......

Koyomi: Now that we're in a tight spot trying to get the Saint-Claud star, we can't afford to be picky I suppose.

Ramona: I know, but......

Chief Director: I'll announce the first name. The lead role, Macbeth - Senju Koyomi.

Koyomi: ......Yes. I will put my heart into it.

Koyomi: (The purpose of the performance is to maintain our position in the Saint-Claud Guide. That is what I, the lead actor, have been tasked with doing......)

Chief Director: Second. The role of Duncan - Wang Xue.

Xue: Yes.

Xue: ......I’ll be killed off in an instant. If you're going to nominate someone, give them a better role…...

Hikari: But it's a special pick, right? If it's just for the beginning, it's a perfect fit for Xue's Sense!

Xue: So I’m just a fast-paced type for the first half...... Gnnnnnh......

Koyomi: (We're using Xue-san for the beginning. This means that the key points will be secured with a solid line up.)

Chief Director: This is the last nomination. Third. The role of Lady Macbeth-

Koyomi: (The other main character, Lady Macbeth. A character who is greedy and willing to commit crimes, but who is also tormented by her conscience.)

Koyomi: (In the past, at Gingaza, this role has been played by people who are good at acting in a very human way. If we were to choose based on popularity and name recognition, it would be Ramona-san......)

Ramona: ......

Chief Director: Lilja Kurtbey.

Ramona: ......!

Lilja: I see, Lady Macbeth......

Koyomi: (Lilja-san was chosen? What on earth......)

Chief Director: That's all. Those who weren't chosen will be asked to participate in the audition. This time, it doesn't matter if you've done a second play before, we'll decide based on pure ability. Do you have any questions?

Xue: Wait a minute, Finland is Lady Macbeth? That's the complete opposite of her image!

Ramona: Can you tell us the reasons for your choices?

Chief Director: For the role of Duncan, we chose Wang Xue because of her excellent performance in ‘Night on the Galactic Railroad’. She can make full use of her strengths in this production too.

Chief Director: Senju Koyomi was chosen for the role of Macbeth because we felt she had the highest overall ability. We also think she is an actor who represents Gingaza to the public.

Chief Director: Lilja Kurtbay was chosen for the role of Lady Macbeth because we appreciated her beauty. Lady Macbeth’s extraordinary obsession with beauty is also linked to her ambition to seek power.

Chief Director: In this production of Macbeth, we made some changes to portray the strength of Lady Macbeth, who motivates the timid Macbeth, in a more attractive way.

Koyomi: (Changes......?)

Koyomi: (......I see, that's how it is. That's how the teachers are aiming to be featured in the Saint-Claud Guide.)

Koyomi: (But that's......)

Chief Director: That's all. Are you satisfied?

Ramona: I see. It's a novel and…...interesting plan.

Ramona: But only if that is what you consider to be innovation.

Ramona: I just wanted you to give me a chance, even if it was just once.

Chief Director: Didn't you understand what I was saying? I didn't feel the need to hold auditions for the roles I've chosen. That's why.

Ramona: ......If we don’t get the Saint-Claud star, Gingaza will be in danger.

Ramona: Not only you, but also the scriptwriter and the backstage staff. And we, the actors, will be in even more trouble than we are now.

Chief Director: What are you trying to say?

Ramona: If you were in doubt, you should have told us. We could have all put our heads together and discussed it.

Chief Director: There's no need for that. We'll show you the way.

Chief Director: I apologise for the delay in making a decision, as it took time to consider the matter. We will hold auditions for the remaining roles in three days time. That's all.

Gingaza Members: ......

Hikari: Yeah. Congratulations to Xue, Koyomi-san and Lilja-san! We'll do our best at the auditions! Right, Ramo-san!

Ramona: I guess we'll have to switch things up. Those of you who want to stay and rehearse together, stay.

Gingaza Members: Yes!

Koyomi: ......

Lilja: It seems I'll be your wife again. Nice to meet you, Koyomi.

Koyomi: (The director has chosen Lilja-san to play Lady Macbeth. Her aim is to direct a Lady Macbeth unlike any seen before.)

Koyomi: Yes. I'll do my best to be a good husband. It seems you'll be a beautiful Lady Macbeth, a rare sight in history.

Lilja: I don't know about her beauty, but if people can look at her for a long time, that's enough for me.

Koyomi: (The appeal of 'Macbeth' is the characters who are consumed by passion and madness. What is needed is acting ability that makes the audience tremble with fear.)

Koyomi: (But...... Lilja-san was scouted for her otherworldly beauty. It's hard to believe she was chosen for her suitability for the role......)

Koyomi: (Gingaza needs innovation. That's the answer, isn't it......)

Koyomi: (......Is what I have to do different from tradition? Above all, do I have to change tradition with my own hands?)

Koyomi: (And of all things, it's 'Macbeth'. How fateful......)