New National Theatre Ballet Company: Ballet Theater for Children 2026—The Little Mermaid Unofficial

This is the 15th performance of the “Ballet Theater for Children,” a program by the New National Theatre aimed at bringing outstanding art to the children who will shape the next generation. We are reviving the original ballet *The Little Mermaid*, based on Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale, which had its world premiere in 2024. Choreographed by Tetsuo Kaigawa, the production delicately portrays the joys and sorrows of love, as well as the absurdities of the human world, experienced by the Little Mermaid as she longs for the human world and ventures beyond the sea. This poignant love story, aimed at audiences of all ages—from children to adults—is sure to become a special summer vacation memory. Please enjoy the fantastical world created by a stellar production team, led by set designer Naotsugu Kawaguchi, and the rich expressiveness of the talented dancers from the New National Theatre Tokyo Ballet. Please note that this performance will be staged using a pre-recorded soundtrack. This is a rare opportunity for parents and children to experience the beautiful world of ballet together. We invite you to come to the theater and enjoy this heart-stirring story.