Silence

About

This production of Teizo Matsumura's 'Silence' is a 'New Production' for the New National Theatre, Tokyo. The opera is based on the acclaimed novel by Shusaku Endo, which explores themes of faith, suffering, and the 'silence' of God during the persecution of Christians in 17th-century Japan. The staging is directed by Keiko Miyata, the Artistic Director for Drama at the NNTT, bringing a theatrical perspective to the operatic form. The production design features scenery and costumes by Tomoyuki Ikeda and lighting by Masahiro Kawaguchi. The musical direction is led by Tatsuya Shimono, conducting the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra. This staging emphasizes the psychological depth of the characters, particularly the Jesuit priest Rodrigues, as he faces the ultimate test of his convictions in a hostile environment.