City Lights – New National Theatre Tokyo, Tokyo

About this event

This production presents the world premiere of a ballet based on City Lights, the classic comedy film created, directed, written, produced, and performed by Charles Chaplin. Commissioned by the National Ballet of Japan, the work translates Chaplin's cinematic language into the medium of dance, maintaining the emotional core of the original 1931 masterpiece. The production features a newly adapted score for live orchestral performance, ensuring the musical legacy of Chaplin is preserved while meeting the requirements of a full-scale ballet. The artistic vision is led by choreographer Alastair Marriott, known for his narrative clarity and classical foundation. The staging utilizes a creative team including set and costume designer Dick Bird and lighting designer Ellen Ruge to recreate the atmospheric world of the Tramp. The production aims to balance the slapstick humor of the original film with the poignant, human recognition that defines the story's conclusion.

Cast & creative

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  Choreographer

  Alastair Marriott
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  Conductor

  Timothy Brock
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  Conductor

  Misato Tomita
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  Set designer

  Dick Bird
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  Costume designer

  Dick Bird
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  Lighting designer

  Ellen Ruge
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  Orchestrator

  Timothy Brock
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  Music Arranger

  Timothy Brock
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  Composer

  Charles Spencer Chaplin