Those who follow the northern stage will know that the Gershan theater houses of Preya and Yago have spent generations trading barbs, patrons, and the occasional playwright, and that House Yago has held the upper hand for as long as its star Himeko has held its lead.
That appears to be changing.
The lady whose name once sold out a season in advance has been giving performances that the more diplomatic critics call “restrained” and the less diplomatic call “adequate,” which on any stage from Civenopolis to Evenandra is a word that ends careers. Add several cancellations with no explanations offered in the mix and naturally everyone is coming to their own conclusions.
This paper has been offered every theory that a well-traveled circle can produce: a quarrel with the director, an actress past her prime, and even nerves. One theater fan claiming to know Himeko well mentioned, after the second glass of Gershan red, that the star may be expecting something other than applause. Meanwhile, two of Yago’s longest-standing patrons were seen at Preya’s autumn opening, and it did not appear that they were there out of curiosity.
Himeko herself has said nothing, which is her right. However, this paper has covered enough houses in enough cities to know that silence has never boded well for a rumor.
House Preya, meanwhile, opens on schedule.