‘20 years of marriage yet, I can’t speak with my wife’

But the husband is desperate to communicate with his wife about one subject in particular – their mutually unfulfilling sex life. Inspired by the novella of the same name by renowned Japanese author Junichiro Tanizaki, “THE鍵KEY” peers in on a secretive family and newcomer Kimura, as their lives take a dramatic turn following the husband’s new year resolution.

This award-winning, site-specific opera invites audiences to become voyeurs as they move freely around a private residence to eavesdrop on small ensembles of singers, a dancer, and Japanese and Western instruments as this intimate drama unfolds. 

Music and words by Francesca Le Lohé with excerpts from Junichiro Tanizaki’s ‘The Key’ in the original Japanese.

Major performances

3rd-4th August 2019, Tête à Tête: The Opera Festival, 10 Tollgate Drive, London (UK premiere)

19th-26th May 2019, Hirakushi Denchu House and Atelier, Tokyo, Japan (Revised premiere)



19th May 2018, Nakacho House, Tokyo, Japan (World premiere)