Der Zwerg

A slow, psychologically intense opera staging that feels like watching a beautiful, painful dissection of self-delusion and cruelty.

Directed by

Tobias Kratzer

Genres

Music

Starring

Elena Tsallagova, Emily Magee, David Butt Philip

Overview

Based on Oscar Wildes story The Birthday of the Infanta, Zemlinskys single-act opera Der Zwerg is the tragic tale of a dwarf who is presented at court, falls in love with the beautiful Donna Clara, but is ultimately forced to see himself as others see him and to die of a broken heart. Preceded by Schoenbergs Accompaniment to a Cinematographic Scene, Op. 34, Zemlinskys Romantic score is full of psychological intrigue. Is Der Zwerg a critique of societys superficiality? Is it the composers self-portrait in his doomed affair with Alma Schindler? Director Tobias Kratzers stunning, transparent production creates a space in which each character is thrown into sharp relief in this fine, noble and melancholy work.

How it feels

Melancholic, dark, tense and romantic. Measured and demanding.

About

Identity, isolation, love, betrayal

Content

Mild violence, sexual content and language. No gore.

Note

Written by AI, so it can be wrong. Full breakdown

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