All recorded versions of the confrontation between Vicomte de Valmont, Marquise de Merteuil & Madame de Tourvel in “Romanesque Mask” as of writing.

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
02:51 2012 Cosmos Troupe production
05:43 2016 Flower Troupe production
08:25 2017 Flower Troupe production

Sources:
• 1997 Snow Troupe production – Takane Fubuki (高嶺ふぶき), Hanafusa Mari (花總まり) & Hoshina Yuri (星奈優里) – official DVD recording
• 2012 Cosmos Troupe production – Oozora Yuuhi (大空祐飛), Nono Sumika (野々すみ花) & Fujisaki Eri (藤咲えり) – official DVD recording
• 2016 Flower Troupe production – Asumi Rio (明日海りお), Kano Maria (花乃 まりあ) & Senna Ayase (仙名彩世) – official DVD recording
• 2017 Flower Troupe production – Asumi Rio (明日海りお), Senna Ayase (仙名彩世) & Ousaki Ayaka (桜咲彩花) – 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