The Washington National Opera has produced Jules Massenet’s great late romantic opera “Werther” only four times in its 56-year history. But even if you have previously seen a WNO “Werther,” you haven’t seen one like the extraordinary production currently running at the Kennedy Center.

Directed by Chris Alexander, this “Werther” is set in a nameless city and country. All that is revealed about the setting is done so through clothing and hairstyles. Montreal fashion house Barila created Jazz Age dresses and cloche hats for the women, and tailored, belted suits for the men.