Shiho is now at a training hall to practice for her next stage play. She looks back over her past days.
"Acting in 'Sakura' took all of my effort. Now as I recall, I don't think I acted well. I couldn't act after reflecting complicated emotions, so all I could do is just to do my best putting my entire heart and spirit."
When someone acts desperately trying her best and there're people who support it, sometimes a masterpiece sees the light.
"The role matched perfectly with myself at that time. That's why I could do my best and many people supported me. If the audition weren't for 'Sakura,' I don't know if I passed it."
She was modest and kept saying she failed many times, but it also means how many times she has challenged.
It must be because she kept challenging without giving up that she was able to seize the chance. Her current active career as an actress shows that it wasn't just a coincidence or a good luck.
Once the practice begun, her expression changed completely. The cheerful and friendly "Shiho Takano" was gone, and then "Eliza" appeared. Everyone put all their heart and soul into the play and they composed the special tense air. They kept repeating and adjusting every action including gestures, motions, and voice tones. We were just overwhelmed by their process towards perfection.
"There're many kinds of jobs, but playing is special. Although I spend such a long time practicing, I still find something new every time I play."
Her main question is how to digest a character's feelings and express them by each motion and line. And, her current answer is "acting between the lines." I think we understand what she says after I saw her ceaseless efforts to create the stage.
She will be playing in "Pygmalion" written by Barnard Shaw. Incidentally, the movie "My Fair Lady" starring Audrey Hepburn is based on this play. Originally, this current show is inspired by the same show starring Sophie Marceau.
"Audrey Hepburn and Sophie Marceau are my idols, so I'm under a lot of pressure to play the same role. But, it's a great honor, too."
In the 10 years, a girl has become an actress and now she looks happy rather than uneasy.
She said laughingly, "Besides, Mr. Ichikawa who is the main actor, is younger than I am. So far I have had too much on my plate, but I guess now is the time to start taking care of others. My role this time is really difficult, so actually I don't have much room on my plate, though."
