Der Zwerg

Release Date: 2019-03-27

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.

Rating: 0 / 10

Cast

Elena Tsallagova

as Donna Clara, Infanta of Spain

Emily Magee

as Ghita, her attendant

David Butt Philip

as Der Zwerg

Mick Morris Mehnert

as Der Zwerg (actor)

Philipp Jekal

as Don Estoban, the chamberlain