An extravagant story about artist Katsushika Hokusai and his famous woodblock print, join us for the world premiere of Dai Fujikura’s The Great Wave:
World premiere
This groundbreaking opera directed by Satoshi Miyagi explores Hokusai’s creative triumphs and struggles, and his bond with his daughter Ōi. This relationship redefined Japanese painting and printmaking – and changed the global art world and popular iconography forever.
Japanese composer Dai Fujikura and Scottish librettist Harry Ross create a mesmerising musical drama that showcases the series of events that ignites The Great Wave off Kanagawa phenomena, influencing pop art culture today.
This large-scale, dynamic, international collaboration between Scottish Opera and KAJIMOTO builds on centuries of cultural exchange between Scotland and Japan. Baritone Daisuke Ohyama brings Katsushika Hokusai to life, along with Julieth Lozano Rolong as Ōi. Stuart Stratford conducts The Orchestra of Scottish Opera – with the unique addition of the rich historic sounds of a Japanese shakuhachi-flute. The Chorus of The Great Wave vividly represents the collaborative nature of Edo-era printmaking.
Gallery
Performance details
- Show times
- Evenings
- 7.15pm
- Running time
2 hours 20 minutes (including interval)
- Additional information
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Sung in English with English supertitles.
Discounts
Friends £3 off | Read more about the Friends discount
Accessibility information
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Audio described performance
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Touch tours Begins 90 minutes before the Audio Described performance listed above.
We believe theatre is for everyone, and we want your visit to be as easy and enjoyable as possible.
If you’d like advice when booking or planning your trip, please contact our box office team for further assistance.
You can find detailed access information for the Festival Theatre below.
More access informationCredits
Cast
Katsushika Hokusai Daisuke Ohyama, Katsushika Ōi Julieth Lozano Rolong, Mr Tozaki / Nishimura Yohachi Shengzhi Ren, Eirakuya Tōshirō / Takai Kōzan Edward Hawkins, Koto Chloe Harris, Hokusai’s Grandson Luvo Maranti, Dr Philipp Franz von Siebold Collin Shay, with The Chorus of The Great Wave
Creative team
Conductor Stuart Stratford, Director Satoshi Miyagi, Scenographer Junpei Kiz, Costume Designer Kayo Takahashi Deschene, Lighting Designer Yuka Hisamatsu, Props Designer Eri Fukasawa, Video Designer Sho Yamaguchi, Choreographer Akiko Kitamura, with The Orchestra of Scottish Opera.
Support Agency for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan / Japan Arts Council
New co-production with KAJIMOTO
Supported by The Alexander Gibson Circle, The Great Wave Syndicate, Bernard & Jane Nelson, and The Japan Society of Scotland
Special Exhibition
From print to performance, Scottish Opera proudly presents Digital x Hokusai in Scotland: Life of Hokusai, a special exhibition showcasing reproductions of Hokusai’s magnificent work.
This exhibition in the foyers of the Festival Theatre is a unique opportunity to see around 50 of Hokusai’s sketches, paintings and manga up close in unique surroundings. The exhibition is free and open to the public, and no tickets are required.
Opening times:
Thursday 19 February 5pm onwards for performance ticket holders
Friday 20 February 2-5pm
Saturday 21 February 5pm onwards for performance ticket holders
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