Let us begin by introducing the characters you will hear throughout this work
 | Andrei:
A late 20th Century Russian geek working at a high-tech software company in Tokyo. Besides listening to jazz, watching football, & drinking spirits, he's fond of hiking & fishing. Seemingly nonchalant about politics, he is concerned about broad environmental trends & takes lots of small (though largely symbolic) steps to reduce his eco-footprint. He makes modest donations now and then to various ecological groups, but feels anxious about how his lifestyle actually may exacerbate many environmental problems. |
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 | Jules:
A handsome, though aging, French teacher at a mid-ranking university in Tokyo, Jules is interested in the fine arts, gourmet food, and almost any kind of beer. Once keen about many political causes, since turning 50 he's become rather jaded by a sense of futility. Despite brooding moments, he manifests élan & interacts skillfully with everyone – at least while sober. His dream is to join an ecologically self-sufficient commune, but the thought of giving up macadamia nuts, bitto cheese, or Cabernet Sauvignon makes him hesitate. Deep down he has begun to wonder how much longer the human species can last given the frenetic pace of change that's taking place. |
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 | Philyra: A Greek goddess with a biting sense of honesty. Dedicated to "making the world better", she's invariably frustrated by the indifference most people manifest. Although her barb has a sting, many appreciate her "no bullshit" attitude & integrity. After graduating with a degree in philosophy from the University of Athens, she traveled around the world via bicycle & boat before working for an environmental NGO in London. Last year she was transferred to the Tokyo office and she often feels lost in that city of 10 million. Not without contradictions, she loves classical ballet, gourmet ice cream, cappuccino, & hazelnut liquor. Describing herself as "permanently single" she lives with two cute kittens near a ballet & yoga studio. | |
 | Soo: A middle-aged Korean feminist and migr who has been living just north of Tokyo since 2000. Politically active in Seoul during her college days, she's now busy raising her daughter and taking care of her octogenarian parents. Earning a modest living by doing translation work for an auto parts maker, she often dreams of writing a full-length novel. Her 11-yr. old daughter aspires to become a concert pianist. Soo wonders which is ultimately kinder: to encourage such dreams or squelch them early so that her daughter won't be too disillusioned. Pushing all doubts aside, each day she radiates heroic verve. Generally a paragon of politeness, once in a while she erupts. When that happens and her anger is in full swing, no natural force can stop her. | |
 | Ellesha: Deep into meditation, yoga, eco-lifestyles, and vegetarianism, this mysterious woman follows an ascetic daily ritual. She believes in "energy-charging", healing, and nearly everything most folks label "weird". Married (at least on paper) to a conservative stock investor on assignment in Tokyo, she has lived in half a dozen cities around the world, but memories of the small island off the Mozambique coast where she spent her first 12 years are vivid. Widely criticized for being too apolitical, she has witnessed many lots of stuff that people from ordinary backgrounds would find hard to endure. Committed to self-growth, she believes that's the only way to help others. Though most people dismiss her ideas as otherworldly, she politely ignores them and does what she feels must be done. "We've got to transform the energy of this planet" she tells others. However, most people consider her bonkers. As a result, Ellesha is gradually becoming more careful not to say too much. |
