Wozzeck

The New National Theatre Tokyo (NNTT) hosts a new production of Alban Berg's opera Wozzeck at the Opera Palace. The production is directed by British composer Richard Jones, with musical direction by Kazushi Ono, who chose this opera to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the Austrian composer's death. The opera represents one of the high points of twentieth-century musical expressionism, a rare and precious presence on international stage schedules. Berg's only complete opera, Wozzeck depicts the descent into madness of a poor soldier, oppressed by society and betrayed in his private life, culminating in the ultimate act of violence. The musical language, innovative for the time, uses the technique of sprechgesang, a hybrid form of song and speech that accentuates the protagonist's psychological anguish and emotional instability. The cast sees the return of German baritone Thomas Johannes Mayer in the title role, having already played the role acclaimed in 2009. Alongside him, soprano Jennifer Davis will play Marie, with Arnold Bezuyen (Captain), John Daszak (Drum Major), and Hidekazu Tsumaya (Doctor). The orchestra is the Tokyo Metropolitan Symphony, accompanied by the New National Theatre Chorus and the Tokyo FM Boys Choir. The production is by Richard Jones, a director known for his ability to combine formal rigor and theatrical energy. The sets and costumes are by Antony McDonald, while the lighting is by Lucy Carter. The libretto, based on Georg Büchner's unfinished play, is respected in its rawness and visionary power, with particular attention to social and existential elements.