"Die Judith von Shimoda" tells the story of Okichi, a Japanese "heroine" and legend who saved the city of Shimoda from the bombardment of American ships by appeasing the consul. While taking care of him she breaks the traditional rule of not drinking milk, and is subsequently outcast. The audience experiences the following 20 years of her life, the rumors, hardship, failed marriage, public humiliation and the fight for recognition as a woman, human being and hero. 

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As a directing team examine the impact of patriarchy and gender violence on a society and approach this topic with respect, seriousness and humor. Lead by the central questions: Who decides about our collective perception, about the writing of history? And which behavioral patterns should we read differently today? and inspired by Brechts text, we center Okichi, the complex and multifaceted character, in an abstract soul world that allows space and reflection for the humanity of the characters. Okichi over a period of 20 years goes from a geisha to an activist to an artist. She is a multi-layered female character who, despite the adversities of life, holds onto her values and continues to find strength.  ​

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Opera in two parts (2020-23)
Libretto by Juan Lucas after the play by Nyonin Aishi. Tojin Okichi Monogatari (»Tragedy of a woman. The tale of the geisha Okichi«) by Yamamoto Yuzo (1929) in the surviving version of Bertolt Brecht and Hella Wuolijoki.

DURATION ca. 100 minutes (without a break)

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World premiere on August 17th 2023 on the Werkstattbühne at Bregenzer Festspiele, followed by four performances at Theater Akzent in Vienna (November 2., 4., 7. & 9., 2023)​. Comissioned and produced by Bregenzer Festspiele and Neue Oper Wien.