Japan’s well-known all-female theatre troupe, the Takarazuka Revue, put up a recording of considered one of their performances for worldwide streaming. The theme: Castlevania, the basic Konami online game sequence about combating vampires, and half the namesake of the “Metroidvania” style.
The truth is, Castlevania: Awakening within the Moonlight is definitely a free adaptation of the franchise’s first Metroidvania, Symphony of the Evening. It even begins with Richter Belmont’s chorus (in)famously translated as “Die, monster! You don’t belong on this world!” And after Dracula’s defeat by the hands of Richter, time jumps ahead to give attention to the primary protagonist of this story: Dracula’s half-human son, Alucard.
Regardless of having traveled to Japan earlier than, this was my first time watching Takarazuka. I had some concept of what to anticipate primarily based on quite a few cultural references in Japanese media, however all my assumptions have been ready to be defied or affirmed.
I believed Takarazuka to be continuous singing, however that wasn’t the case. Whereas it’s actually a musical, the numbers are interspersed between spoken scenes. I additionally wasn’t certain how they’d incorporate the motion ingredient of Castlevania, which turned out to be extra of an interpretive dance-fighting that matches the medium, and largely takes a secondary position to drama, angst, and romance. That mentioned, they do embody some components from the Symphony of the Evening I had not anticipated.
And typically, one thing occurred that will reinforce my preconceived picture of a Takarazuka Castlevania whereas additionally throwing me for a loop. Particularly, they in some way handle to include the French Revolution into this factor, and Robespierre is even a distinguished character! The Rose of Versailles is without doubt one of the Takarazuka Revue’s most iconic diversifications, so it’s not wholly uncommon that they’d use France as a partial backdrop to Awakening within the Moonlight. Nonetheless, making Castlevania extra acquainted and accessible to the standard Takarazuka fan on this method is fairly wonderful.
I consider all of the music is taken from the video games and tailored for the stage with lyrics and all. On condition that Castlevania as an entire has a incredible soundtrack, it’s not a shock that they’d take this strategy. That mentioned, it’s actually completely different from different instances they’ve added phrases.
I might inform that I used to be restricted in some methods by the house viewing expertise. Whereas I positively admire the chance to observe it from the consolation of my sofa, I’m 100% certain that it pales compared to being there in individual. There are components that really feel a bit lengthy, however I’m wondering if the stay spectacle would change the expertise—I’ve seen sufficient musicals at this level to know this will occur. Perhaps I ought to make the journey out to Takarazuka subsequent time I’ve the chance.
The VOD is on the market till March 31.
