We are deeply saddened by the news of passing of Mr. Franco Zeffirelli. Italian opera and film director, Mr. Franco Zeffirelli passed away on the 15th of June in Rome aged 96.

Born in Florence, he worked as an assistant to Luchino Visconti and debuted as opera director with La Cenerentola at La Scala, Milan in 1953. In addition to his famed opera works, he created many masterpieces in theatre and films. His beautiful and resplendent opera productions depicted the stories musically and dramatically, based on realism and have been highly acclaimed as were his lavish set and costume designs.

In 1998, Mr. Zeffirelli directed and designed Aida as the commemorative opera for the opening of the New National Theatre, Tokyo. In this production he created the spectacular scenes like the magnificent, golden palace and the magical bank of the Nile and the world of ancient Egypt came to life on stage. This Aida remains one of the most beloved productions of the NNTT and has been revived at our 5th, 10th, 15th and 20th Anniversaries.

We would like to express our most sincere condolences to Mr. Zeffirelli's family and pray that he will rest in eternal peace.

June 17, 2019
New National Theatre, Tokyo


Aida in 1998

Curtain Call in 1998

From the rehearsal of Aida in 1998