The Great Wave: A New Opera Inspired by Hokusai

Scottish Opera's new production, _The Great Wave_, explores the life of the renowned Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai, known for his iconic woodblock print, _Under the Wave off Kanagawa_. This opera marks a significant departure from traditional operatic themes, as it delves into the world of visual art and the complexities of Hokusai's life, particularly his relationship with his daughter, Oi. The narrative unfolds in a non-linear fashion, beginning with Hokusai's funeral and interweaving various aspects of his life and artistry.

The Guardian

Katsushika Hokusai, born in 1760 in Edo (modern-day Tokyo), lived a remarkable life marked by personal and professional challenges. He produced approximately 30,000 works, including paintings, sketches, and the influential _Hokusai Manga_. His most celebrated piece, _Under the Wave off Kanagawa_, is part of the _Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji_ series, created around 1831. The opera's librettist, Harry Ross, emphasizes the significance of Hokusai's relationship with Oi, who also pursued a career in art, as a central theme of the production.

The Guardian

Composer Dai Fujikura, who grew up in Japan, was inspired to create the opera after visiting a Hokusai exhibition in 2017. He and Ross collaborated to develop a narrative that reflects both Hokusai's artistic journey and the cultural context of Edo-period Japan. The opera incorporates traditional Japanese instruments, such as the shakuhachi, alongside a Western orchestral palette, creating a unique soundscape that mirrors Hokusai's vibrant artistry.

The Guardian

The production exemplifies cross-cultural collaboration, with support from Japanese government agencies and a team of Japanese designers and choreographers. Director Satoshi Miyagi aims to present Hokusai's story in a way that transcends specific cultural and temporal boundaries, allowing the opera to resonate universally. The challenge of depicting _The Great Wave_ itself was met with an innovative approach, introducing the image in monochrome before revealing its full color spectrum.

The Guardian

The opera's creators find parallels between Hokusai's resourcefulness and the challenges faced by contemporary artists. Ross notes that Hokusai's ability to reinvent himself serves as an inspiration for modern creators, suggesting that adaptability is essential in today's artistic landscape. Fujikura echoes this sentiment, highlighting Hokusai's relentless creativity as a model for artists navigating the complexities of the 21st century.

The Guardian

• “We’re teleological in the west – this is very much an eastern thing.” — Harry Ross, Librettist

The Guardian

• “Oi is an extraordinary character – we don’t know much about her but we know enough,” — Harry Ross, Librettist

The Guardian

• “He shows such strong energy, just to be an artist, a better artist. Nonstop creativity – that’s something I absolutely love about this person.” — Dai Fujikura, Composer

The Guardian

The opera _The Great Wave_ not only celebrates Hokusai's artistic legacy but also invites audiences to reflect on the enduring nature of creativity and the bonds that inspire it.

The Guardian