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to act (a part); to play (a role)
to perform (a play, etc.); to put on (a production)
to commit (e.g. a blunder); to disgrace oneself; to do something conspicuously; to make a scene
to pretend (e.g. to be a good father)
今回の舞台で主役を演じることになりました。
I ended up playing the leading role.
彼女は舞台でハムレットを演じた。
She performed Hamlet on stage.
重要な役割を演じています。
He plays an important role.