New National Theatre, tokyo

News Archive

2012/9/28

This year, the United Kingdom was the focus of world attention with its celebration of the sixtieth anniversary of the reign of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, and hosting of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. In this year to remember, the New National Theatre Tokyo (NNTT) opens its fifteenth year, together with the British Council, the UK's public organization for international cultural relations, with the jointly hosted "British Performing Arts Festival 2012 at NNTT" featuring three performances associated with Great Britain.

The three works that will feature at the British Performing Arts Festival 2012 at NNTT represent the very best of music, dance and stage from Britain: the opera "Peter Grimes", the ballet "Sylvia", and the play, "Richard III". A variety of other events relating to British stage art are also planned.

On Friday, 14 September, a "British Performing Arts Festival 2012 at NNTT" gathering was held at the British Embassy in Tokyo, attended by over eighty people: those from media organizations, and cultural critics and commentators.

Participating in the discussion were the British Ambassador to Japan, Sir David Warren, and the Director of the British Council Japan, Jeff Streeter, and members of the New National Theater Tokyo: President, Fukuchi Shigeo; Artistic Director (Opera), Otaka Tadaaki; Artistic Director (Ballet and Dance), David Bintley; Artistic Director (Play), Miyata Keiko; and the cast of the National Ballet of Japan who will perform the ballet Sylvia. Discussion centered on the significance of the Festival and the highlights of each of the works to be performed.

Following the introductions, the discussion session, featuring the artistic directors, got underway, with the participation of the Director of the British Council Japan, Jeff Streeter. All involved enjoyed a lively talk regarding British stagecraft.

For the duration of the Festival there will be a number of events, exhibitions, films and the like at the New National Theater Tokyo. All interested are welcome to participate.

British Ambassador to Japan, Sir David Warren

The Director of the British Council Japan, Jeff Streeter

New National Theater Tokyo: President, Fukuchi Shigeo

Artistic Director (Opera), Otaka Tadaaki

Artistic Director (Ballet and Dance), David Bintley and dancers of National Ballet of Japan

Artistic Director (Play), Miyata Keiko