Message from the President

• In response to a government request to prevent the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) infections, the New National Theatre, Tokyo (NNTT) has cancelled all performances and events starting from February 27.
  
  We sincerely regret any inconvenience and concerns these cancellations have caused to all patrons who have been looking forward to the performances. The cancellation of these performances and events was a difficult decision to make for everyone at the NNTT.
  
  We are currently holding daily rehearsals and doing other tasks in preparation for recommencing the performances. At the same time, we are also closely monitoring the situation, and putting in place a range of measures to prevent infection and enable patrons to enjoy the theatre with peace of mind.
  
  The following are messages to our patrons from each of the artistic directors. Both myself and the artistic directors hope that the day will quickly come when we can once again greet our patrons at the NNTT.
  

  The President of New National Theatre Foundation
  OZAKI Motoki
  

Message from the Artistic Directors

• Artistic Director of Opera, ONO Kazushi

In light of the unprecedented circumstances we are now facing, regrettably the New National Theatre, Tokyo (NNTT) has had to cancel performances of the opera Così Fan Tutte. Currently, we are making every effort to prevent the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) infections, and are closely monitoring the situation.

As we hope and count the days until our patrons will be able to once again enjoy the theatre with peace of mind, we are continuing with rehearsals in preparation for the upcoming programme. Furthermore, until the last show of the season, we will continue to remain in regular contact with the performers, and do all the necessary preparations to ensure that we can recommence the performances.


In these days of uncertainty, we are heartened by those who continue to support the NNTT even in the midst of the cancellation of performances, and we would like to maintain our connection with them. So, we are moving forward with projects to bring the joy of opera to everyone, in some small way.

We will be posting some contents of the ongoing rehearsals for Giulio Cesare on the NNTT website and other channels, on a timely basis. We are also considering distributing content of the conversation between the conductor Rinaldo Alessandrini, the director Laurent Pelly, and myself.

Furthermore, we are planning to invite some singers to participate in a lecture-style concert with myself on piano, as we introduce the appeal of this opera. By distributing this lecture concert and other content online, we hope to keep everyone informed, as much as possible, of what the NNTT is currently doing.

Myself and everyone at the NNTT look forward to the day when we will be able to meet our patrons once again at the theatre. We will do all we can as the NNTT to fulfil our mission in these circumstances, and so we ask for your continued understanding.

Artistic Director of Opera
ONO Kazushi

• Artistic Director of Ballet & Dance, OHARA Noriko

I would like to extend my sincerest sympathy to those who have contracted the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and whose lives have been affected by the spread of infections, and to all others concerned.

Although there have been three performances of Kenneth MacMillan's Manon by the National Ballet of Japan, but following two performances were cancelled; we sincerely regret any inconvenience these cancellations will cause to our patrons. Moreover, I am unable to find the words to express the deep regret I feel when I think of the sentiments of the dancers and staff, who have been wholeheartedly and devotedly practicing and preparing every day for the performances.

However, the human race has never before faced a threat such as the coronavirus, which is severely impacting every facet of life, from medical systems worldwide to the global economy.

Looking at it in terms of the performing arts, this situation can also be described as a threat to theatre culture - one that humans have been slowly fostering over time.

Put simply, in order to experience live theatre where each performance is unique in that moment and place, people gather in the same space at the same time, and share together intense joy and deep emotions. I believe what is happening now can perhaps also be called a crisis that affects this way of theatre culture, and the foundation of its continued existence.

On a personal note, this season also marks an important milestone in my life as the conclusion of my involvement with the National Ballet of Japan and its theatre, which is an association that has spanned 21 years. These days, during my remaining time as the Artistic Director, I have also been giving my all and striving every day to convey all that I have learned from the magnificent performing art of ballet.

I earnestly pray that this situation will be contained quickly and we can return to normal life, and I can once again greet our patrons at the New National Theatre, Tokyo. I encourage everyone to please also take care of yourself in these challenging times.

Lastly, I would like to pay my sincerest respects to the medical staff, government and administrative officials who are working day and night on the front line to deal with the situation surrounding the novel coronavirus.

Artistic Director of Ballet & Dance
OHARA Noriko

In response to a government request to prevent the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) infections, we have cancelled the performance of Letter from the Sea, which was produced by the Théatre Lapis of Poland and which we co-hosted, and is gradually scaling down the trial performances as the third step of Kotsu-Kotsu Project. We sincerely apologize for this regrettable outcome to all patrons who have been looking forward to the performances. We also apologize to all staff and cast members who have been involved in each of these projects and performances, and express our appreciation once more for their understanding and cooperation in this matter.


The New National Theatre, Tokyo (NNTT) is currently preparing for the opening night of Reaction Process which will be the 2^nd production in the series of Full Audition Project. Of course, we will make a final decision while monitoring the situation daily and taking into consideration any government requests; however, at present we are on track and practicing for its opening on April 9 as scheduled.

The coronavirus is impacting the lives of people in Japan and around the world, and causing great stress on their physical and mental health, finances and other areas. Facing an unknown virus, with no clear way in sight to combat it, also fuels the anxiety felt every day. I pray that this situation will alleviate and improve even somewhat, so that we can return to our precious daily lives.

Furthermore, as someone who is involved in the theatre, I also earnestly pray that not only performances at the NNTT, but all theatre performances in Japan and worldwide will return to normal as soon as possible, so that our patrons can once again enjoy the theatre with peace of mind.

Artistic Director of Drama
OGAWA Eriko