The Washington Opera Goes To Japan

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Downtown Tokyo is quite a sight - and the perfect place for the creativity of the theater.

In July 2002, the Washington Opera launched the first major tour in the company's history -- an 18-day tour of Japan. The company flew over 265 performers and staff members, shipped 18 sea containers packed with scenery and costumes, and brought three different operas to life before packed houses in Tokyo and Yokohama.

It was a bold move for a company with almost no touring experience, but the trip marked a big step forward for the Washington Opera. The company was never considered one of America's finest, but things started changing a decade ago when the highly regarded conductor, Heinz Fricke, became Music Director. And ever since international opera superstar Placido Domingo signed on as Artistic Director back in 1996, the Washington Opera has been growing by leaps and bounds; gaining new respect from audiences and critics alike.

WAMU's David Furst was there every step of the way -- following the company from the first tentative rehearsals in Washington to the triumphant performance of Otello at NHK Hall in Tokyo, with Placido Domingo in the title role and enigmatic guest Conductor Valery Gergiev at the podium.

WAMU goes behind the scenes to show you all aspects of this dramatic production.

In this one-hour special, we'll speak with the big names -- Placido Domingo, Heinz Fricke and Valery Gergiev. But we'll also go behind the scenes, meeting the fascinating people who make what happens on stage possible night after night.

We'll also try to find out just why opera is so popular in Japan. One of the most astounding things to witness on this tour was the "rock-star treatment" the performers received. Otello received a 20-minute standing ovation. Crowds of autograph-seeking fans seemed to follow the major singers everywhere they went.

The Washington Opera Goes To Japan airs on WAMU on Saturday, August 10th at 11am, and again on Labor Day, Monday, September 2nd at 8pm.

Photographs this page courtesy of Philip Bermingham, K. Miura, and David Furst.