New National Theatre Tokyo and National Taichung Theater: Strengthening Ties Across the Asia-Pacific
The New National Theatre Tokyo (NNTT) has cultivated a profound and enduring partnership with the National Taichung Theater, enriching the cultural landscape of the Asia-Pacific region over the past five years.
Since 2020, NNTT’s acclaimed productions have been featured annually as part of the Lunar New Year Screening event at the National Taichung Theater. Works such as opera productions of Madama Butterfly, Eugene Onegin, The Magic Flute, Super Angels, La Cenerentola, Don Pasquale, and ballets The Nutcracker and Don Quixote have been warmly received by Taiwanese audiences. These performances, for their artistic brilliance, reflect a shared appreciation for the performing arts and strengthen the cultural bond between Japan and Taiwan.
In 2022, the collaboration extended beyond screenings to include live performances. NNTT production of Mozart’s The Magic Flute, directed by William Kentridge and featuring Taiwanese and Japanese singers, was presented onstage to critical acclaim. Known for its bold and imaginative use of animated film and projection, the production captivated audiences and marked a significant milestone in the partnership.
The relationship continued to flourish in 2024 with a live staging of Falstaff, directed by the late Jonathan Miller. This cherished production, renowned for its stage design inspired by 17th-century Dutch paintings, humorously depicted the adventures of the lovable yet flawed Falstaff. Despite the challenge of a typhoon that led to the cancellation of one performance, the production was executed with exceptional dedication. NNTT extends heartfelt gratitude to the National Taichung Theater for their unwavering support and to the audiences who braved adverse conditions to attend.
The collaboration promises further artistic excellence in 2025, with the screening of two highly anticipated productions. On 29 & 31 Jan, Orfeo ed Euridice, under the direction of Saburo Teshigawara, an acclaimed dancer and choreographer, this innovative production merges opera and dance, offering a unique and captivating interpretation of the classic tale. Following this, on 1 Feb, The Sleeping Beauty by the National Ballet of Japan, NNTT’s resident ballet company, will undoubtedly bring an enchanting flare to the Lunar New Year celebration. This timeless ballet, celebrated for its grace and elegance, promises to captivate audiences and leave them spellbound.
The partnership between NNTT and the National Taichung Theater underscores a shared commitment to fostering cultural exchange and artistic excellence. By presenting a rich tapestry of productions ranging from classical masterpieces to cutting-edge contemporary works, this collaboration has enhanced the performing arts and strengthened ties across the Asia-Pacific region.
As NNTT looks ahead, we remain dedicated to deepening the collaboration also with other countries in the region. By celebrating the universal language of art and contributing to a vibrant cultural dialogue, NNTT aspires to inspire, entertain, and connect communities through the transformative power of the performing arts.
Orfeo_ed_Euridice
The Sleeping Beauty