Seymour Centre and Tessenkai, Japan present a modern Noh play
THE HOLY MOTHER OF NAGASAKI
By Tomio Tada
In commemoration of 80 years since the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and the end of the Asia Pacific War.
A modern Noh, The Holy Mother of Nagasaki (2005) innovatively blends traditional masked drama with Gregorian chant to evoke themes of peace and salvation.
Noh is a classical form of Japanese masked performance art combining live music, dance, and storytelling of the emotional and spiritual human experience, originating from the 14th century.
Set in Nagasaki, home to a long history of Hidden Christians (隠れキリシタン) and devastated by the atomic bomb in 1945, the play draws on the miraculous survival of a Virgin Mary statue’s head from Urakami Cathedral.
The story follows a pilgrim from Tsuwano, a site of Christian martyrdom, who learns of a mysterious woman who cared for the wounded after the bombing, vanishing by morning and leaving behind a white lily.
Experience the power of tradition and resilience.
Join us for The Holy Mother of Nagasaki, a moving modern Noh performance honouring the spirit of peace and remembrance.
Image credit: 銕仙会 TESSENKAI
Yumi Notohara, ZA Koenji online
Heather Harlan, Weekly NY Seikatsu, New York,
Author Tomio Tada
Director Kanji Shimizu
Producer Yasuko Claremont
Stage and Lighting Designer Makoto Kawaguchi
Sound Designer The Sydney University Graduate Choir
A modern Noh, The Holy Mother of Nagasaki (2005), directed by renowned performer Kanji Shimizu, blends traditional masked drama with Gregorian chant to evoke themes of peace and salvation. This performance is part of a week-long program commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings.
Program Highlights (10–16 November 2025):
- Noh Performance: The Holy Mother of Nagasaki at the York Theatre, Seymour Centre
- Symposium: Online and in-person sessions on:
- Sandakan reconciliation
- Intergenerational impacts of Hiroshima/Nagasaki and WWII
- Children’s Book Readings: Public readings of picture books about the atomic bombings
- Origami Workshop: Hands-on activity inspired by peace and remembrance
- Additional Events: Talks, exhibitions, and community activities throughout the week
York Theatre
| Tue 11 Nov | 6pm |
|---|
Approximately 130 minutes, including a 20-minute interval and a pre-show lecture on the Holy Mother of Nagasaki. Partial lockouts apply.
| A Reserve | $85 |
|---|---|
| Concession (Senior, Pensioner, Student, Unwaged) | $45 |
| Group 8+ | $55 |
$7 transaction fee applies.
*Please be prepared to present corresponding ID at your event if requested by our staff. Read more.
A ticket is required for all patrons, infants may not sit on a guardian's lap free of charge.
Filming and photography prohibited.
The only authorised ticket seller for this event is Seymour Centre. If you purchase from an unauthorised seller, you risk that your tickets may be fake or invalid.
York Theatre
| Tue 11 Nov | 6pm |
|---|
Approximately 130 minutes, including a 20-minute interval and a pre-show lecture on the Holy Mother of Nagasaki. Partial lockouts apply.
| A Reserve | $85 |
|---|---|
| Concession (Senior, Pensioner, Student, Unwaged) | $45 |
| Group 8+ | $55 |
$7 transaction fee applies.
*Please be prepared to present corresponding ID at your event if requested by our staff. Read more.
A ticket is required for all patrons, infants may not sit on a guardian's lap free of charge.
Filming and photography prohibited.
The only authorised ticket seller for this event is Seymour Centre. If you purchase from an unauthorised seller, you risk that your tickets may be fake or invalid.
Author Tomio Tada
Director Kanji Shimizu
Producer Yasuko Claremont
Stage and Lighting Designer Makoto Kawaguchi
Sound Designer The Sydney University Graduate Choir
A modern Noh, The Holy Mother of Nagasaki (2005), directed by renowned performer Kanji Shimizu, blends traditional masked drama with Gregorian chant to evoke themes of peace and salvation. This performance is part of a week-long program commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings.
Program Highlights (10–16 November 2025):
- Noh Performance: The Holy Mother of Nagasaki at the York Theatre, Seymour Centre
- Symposium: Online and in-person sessions on:
- Sandakan reconciliation
- Intergenerational impacts of Hiroshima/Nagasaki and WWII
- Children’s Book Readings: Public readings of picture books about the atomic bombings
- Origami Workshop: Hands-on activity inspired by peace and remembrance
- Additional Events: Talks, exhibitions, and community activities throughout the week