New National Theatre, tokyo

News Archive

2012/10/16

The New National Theatre Tokyo celebrated its fifteenth opening anniversary this year, opening its 2012/2013 season on 2nd October with the opera "Peter Grimes". This new opera production forms part of "New National Theatre Tokyo - British Performing Arts Festival 2012", held in collaboration and cooperation with the British Embassy and British Council.

"Peter Grimes" is a prominent work of the renowned British composer, Benjamin Britten. Otaka Tadaaki, the NNTT Artistic Director (Opera), had long harboured the idea of staging the work which now, in his third year as Artistic Director, has been brought to the stage for the opening of this season.

Stuart Skelton in the main role as the lonesome Peter Grimes sang out Grimes' highest hopes and deepest despair. Susan Gritton as Ellen portrayed the affections and the perseverance of her character with a rich sensitivity. The sublimity of the music shone throughout in the voice of New National Theatre Tokyo choir, which gave full presence to the emotions of an agitated crowd. Furthermore, the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra led by Richard Armstrong, highly conversant with this opera, was superb in its depiction of a forbidding but beautiful sea. Willy Decker's production brought the same thrill to the stage that has marked the many performances at La Monnaie in Belgium and the Royal Opera House, dramatically conjuring up all the anxiety, excitement, vulnerability and glimmers of hope that Britten wrote into the work. Audience feedback was glowing, with praise afforded it as being without doubt the best Peter Grimes performance currently possible.

The premiere was attended by ambassadors and representatives of cultural institutions from ten nations, including Great Britain, Belgium, Spain, and the EU. All applauded a world-class opera production made possible through international cooperation between numerous countries.

From 2nd October, the entire New National Theatre Tokyo celebrates the almost two month long "British Performing Arts Festival 2012" with exhibitions and functions. We welcome you to the New National Theatre Tokyo for the duration of this Festival.

(from left) Mr. Luc Liebaut, Belgian Ambassador to Japan, with Mrs. Liebaut Mr. Stuart Skelton (Peter Grimes) Sir David Warren, British Ambassador to Japan Sir Richard Armstrong (conductor) Mr. Jeff Streeter, Director of the British Council Japan

(from left) Mr. Willy Decker (Producer of Peter Grimes) Mrs. Otaka and Mr. Otaka Tadaaki, NNTT Artistic Director (Opera) Mrs. Liebaut and Mr. Luc Liebaut, Belgian Ambassador to Japan

(from left) Mr. Luc Liebaut, Belgian Ambassador to Japan Dr. Hans Dietmar Schweisgut, EU Ambassador Sir David Warren, British Ambassador to Japan

(from left) Dr. Claus Auer, Minister at the German Embassy in Japan Mr. Fukuchi Shigeo, NNTT President

(left)Dr. Shin Kak-soo, Korean Ambassador to Japan (right)Mr. Jari Gustafsson, Finnish Ambassador to Japan

(from left) Mr. Jari Gustafsson, Finnish Ambassador to Japan Mr. Miguel Ángel Navarro Portera, Spanish Ambassador to Japan

(from right) Mr. Pēteris Vaivars, Latvian Ambassador to Japan Mr. Fukuchi Shigeo, NNTT President

Mr. Bertrand Fort, Director of Institut Français in Japan, with Mrs. Fort