New National Theatre Ballet Double Bill Opens! World Premiere and Original Works Stimulate the Senses

On Friday, July 3, the New National Theatre Ballet premiered its original double bill production, 'String SAGA' and 'Released from Darkness'.

'String SAGA' is a world premiere by Naoya Tomitsuki, former dancer of the New National Theatre Ballet and now an emerging choreographer. 'Released from Darkness' is a remarkable work by Jessica Lang, internationally acclaimed for seamlessly integrating dancers’ bodies with set and costume movements.

Enjoy the rich artistic qualities of the company, brought out through these specially commissioned pieces.

'Released from Darkness' Photo: Shoji Okuda 'Released from Darkness' featuring Ayako Ono and Shogo Hayami Photo: Shoji Okuda

'String SAGA' featuring Miho Naozuka and Masahiro Nakaya Photo: Shoji Okuda Photo: Shoji Okuda

Message from Naoya Tomitsuki, Choreographer of 'String SAGA':

"To become a choreographer worthy of being invited by the New National Theatre Ballet one day,"

I moved my base of activity outside the company ten years ago and have dedicated myself to this moment ever since.

'String SAGA'

A single thread is thin and delicate, but when countless fibers are twisted together, they form a strong, flexible strand. In this work, I have likened this 'thread' to human lives, individual natures (saga), and the bodies of each dancer. On stage, each dancer’s experiences and personalities intertwine, stretch, tangle, rebound, and occasionally knot, weaving together into a single tapestry.

The set, costumes, and lighting have been meticulously crafted with creators to form a unique and beautiful space.

This performance may offer a glimpse into a new side of the New National Theatre Ballet.

We hope this double bill reaches as many audiences as possible.

Performance Overview

2025/2026 Season

New National Theatre Ballet Double Bill

String SAGA <Commissioned by New National Theatre Ballet, World Premiere> / Released from Darkness

'String SAGA'

Choreography: Naoya Tomitsuki

Music: Joe Hisaishi

Set Design: Makie Nagamine

Costumes: matohu

Lighting: Yukiko Yoshimoto

'Released from Darkness'

Choreography: Jessica Lang

Music: Ólafur Arnalds, Nils Frahm, Josh Kramer, John Metcalfe

Set Design: Jessica Lang

(Installation based on designs by Stephanie Foss and Todd MacAllen of Molo)

Costumes: Izumi Yamada

Lighting: Nicole Pearce

Artistic Director: Miyako Yoshida

Performers: New National Theatre Ballet

[Performance Schedule]

2026

July 3 (Fri) 19:00

July 4 (Sat) 14:00 / 18:00

July 5 (Sun) 14:00

Venue: New National Theatre, Tokyo Mid-sized Theatre (Directly connected to Hatsudai Station Central Exit, Keio Line; one stop from Shinjuku)

Estimated Running Time: Approximately 1 hour 25 minutes (including intermission)

Website: https://www.nntt.jac.go.jp/dance/stringsaga/