In response to a request issued on February 26 by Japan's Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT Minister) regarding the prevention of the spreading of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) infections, the New National Theatre,Tokyo (NNTT) issued a notice the other day that it has cancelled all performances and events until Sunday, March 15, inclusive.

Additionally, and regrettably, NNTT has also decided to cancel the performances of the opera "Così Fan Tutte."

Rehearsals for the opera "Così Fan Tutte", which included invited artists from overseas, were scheduled to start from early March in preparation for the first performance on March 18. However, in light of the current circumstances, we have determined it will be difficult to hold these rehearsals safely and without worry.

At present, while we have concerns that the announcement of a cancellation may convey unintentional messages to patrons both in Japan and overseas, delaying this decision while we do not foresee being able to assure performances and events will be held from March 16 onwards may consequently disappoint the expectations of the artists and patrons.

Therefore, taking this and other factors into consideration, reluctantly we have decided to cancel the scheduled performances of the opera "Così Fan Tutte" from March 18 to 24.

We sincerely regret any inconvenience to all patrons who have been looking forward to the performances.
We appreciate your understanding in this matter.

Refund information for purchased tickets will be posted on our website at a later date.

As for the Dance programme "DANCE to the Future 2020" starting from Friday March 27, and other performances and events from then onwards, we will continue to refer to the instructions and guidance from government-related institutions and relevant information, and notify patrons as soon as possible of our decisions.

Once again, we appreciate your understanding and cooperation in this matter.