PART 2: Interview with Toshiki Tateishi and Ikuma Kobayashi from The Emerald Witch Kuromyu
Q: Just like the relationship between a butler and his master.
Kobayashi: When I was reading the original work, I thought the relationship between Sebastian and Ciel was really goodā¦ It's a "contract," but it's also like a "bond" that really hits home. I want to create that with Tateishi-san, so it's really encouraging to hear you say that.
Tateishi: It's okay, it's okay. Once you hear that singing voice, you'll be absolutely fine.
Tateishi: This is my third time (playing Sebas), so I can honestly say, "Leave it to me." I want you to be able to play Ciel without forcing yourself, and to have your own axis, and to be someone who is true to himself.
If he does that, I think even his own preferences and worries will link well with the role. I really feel like Ikuma's emotions and Ciel's emotions will be naturally connected. And I'm also very excited to see what kind of Sebastian I will become by interacting with Ikuma.
Kobayashi: I hope you will continue to offer me advice and guide me.
Kobayashi: That makes me very happy.
Q: By the way, Kobayashi-san, what aspects of the Black Butler musical do you find most appealing?
Kobayashi: I really love that even during serious scenes, there are these comedic moments woven in. Thatās something Iāve always enjoyed in both the original manga and the anime. It feels like it tickles your emotions in a really good way.
Tateishi: Exactly. There are some pretty surreal comedic beats too, so itās not constantly serious.
Q: Because those moments exist, the audience is able to emotionally reset and immerse themselves even when the story becomes tragic.
The Public School Arc is also a very dramatic storyline, and Ciel has some incredibly heavy burdens to bearā¦
Kobayashi: Yes, and in that sense, I really want to preserve the distinctions in Cielās different personality traits that I mentioned earlier.
The cool moments, the impressive moments, and also the times where he shows a childish kind of cuteness. I think those contrasts are a key highlight, so I want to express them very clearly.
Tateishi: This time, itās not just about Ciel. Sullivan, the Emerald Witch, carries a lot on her shoulders, and that influences the entire work.
Kids around that ageā¦ about thirteenā¦ they have pure hearts, and even while struggling, they find their true feelings and begin taking steps forward.
As an adult, I find that incredibly encouraging, and it makes me think, āWow, youth really is something special.ā Sullivan relies on Sebastian for a short period, so I also get to act as a butler toward someone other than Ciel for the first time, which is another exciting point for me as an actor.
Q: Starting with this production, Nobuhiro Mori, who helped establish the early identity of the stage adaptation, returns as director.
Kobayashi-san, you worked with Mori-san on your very first stage production. Do you remember anything from that experience that left an impression?
Kobayashi: Yes. When he talked to the actors, instead of giving direct instructions like āDo it this way,ā he would offer suggestions like āMaybe it would be better if you approached it like this?ā
That kind of guidance and those hints really stuck with me. He told me many things that were incredibly helpful.
Q: And this is your first time working with him, Tateishi-san.
Tateishi: Yes. Iāve only met him twice so far. Once for an interview and once during the visual shoot. But even through those brief interactions, I could feel his passion for digging as deep as possible into the work.
Getting to collaborate with someone like Mori-san makes me genuinely happy, and since he has experience with the earlier Black Butler stage productions, I feel like together we can pursue something even more free and new.
Q: In a sense, this new Black Butler musical returns to its roots while opening a brand new door. Tateishi-san, in the previous interview, you said you wanted to convey the human drama portrayed in the story.
Tateishi: Yes, and this time itās not just Sebastian and Ciel. Practically every character who appears has a deep, weighty background. Itās the kind of cast that makes you say, āI didnāt realize there was this much human drama!ā
And the way that unfolds through the musical numbers becomes a major highlight. Scene after scene; this is truly a Black Butler that can only be experienced as a musical.
Q: There are also events that reframe Sebastian and Cielās relationship, along with some harsh trials Ciel must faceā¦
Kobayashi: (Nods.) This version of Ciel has a slightly different atmosphere from previous stories. Ciel has always been like, āAs long as Sebastian is here, Iāll be fine no matter what.ā
But this timeā¦ thatās not always the case. There are moments where he canāt behave the way he used to, or where things donāt go as they normally would. I really want people to pay attention to that side of him.
Q: Iām excited to see the next stage you both create.
Kobayashi: Iām truly happy to be able to enter the world of the Black Butler musical like this and to perform alongside Tateishi-san and the rest of the cast. We want to make this a production that fans of Black Butler, fans of the live stage adaptations, and musical lovers alike can all enjoy. Iāll give it everything Iāve got.
Tateishi: Of course I want to help make this production something wonderful and deliver a great performance. But beyond that, Iām finding that the feelings I have not just as an actor, but as a person, are growing stronger.
Our cast spans a wide age range, including Ikuma-kun, and I really feel how much people of different ages can influence one another. Through rehearsals, weāll overcome many things together, and even during the actual performances, the show will continue to evolve. I think that āsomethingā will be powerfully felt from the stage.
Q: It sounds like many things resonate deeply with you personally.
Tateishi: They really do. Because thereās fragility, weakness, and sensitivity, the beauty of the stage can shine through even more.
After a month of rehearsals, I think the show will become something surprising and incredible by opening night. I genuinely believe it will be the best stage production, so I hope everyone will come and witness it.
(I'm sorry for how long this post is šš)
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