LO SPETTACOLO

Johann Strauss' great operetta "Die Fledermaus" (The Bat) will be performed at the Estonian National Opera in Tallinn.

Die Fledermaus, one of the most popular operettas by Johann Strauss, is staged by Michiel Dijkema, a Dutch stage director who is known for unique and intriguing stage productions. He delighted Estonians with La Cenerentola (2006), which is still in the repertoire of the Estonian National Opera. Die Fledermaus premiered in 1874 in Vienna and is still popular worldwide thanks to its memorable melodies, mesmerising dance scenes and intriguing story. 

“With sparkling irony Johann Strauss composes a comedy of manners of a self-indulgent society, which loses itself unrestrained in joie de vivre and malicious delight, and wishes nothing more than to be somebody else, at least for the night.” (Michiel Dijkema, Stage Director)

Gabriel Eisenstein has to go to prison for a few days for insulting a public servant. The evening before his imprisonment he bids his wife a sobbing farewell and secretly sets off to a wild party held by prince Orlofsky. There he hopes to experience sensual pleasures of all kinds, of course incognito. Unfortunately his wife, who just had an unexpected encounter with her former lover, finds out. Her lover is accidentally arrested instead of Mr Eisenstein. Disguised as a Hungarian countess she makes her appearance at the party and seduces her husband. The maid, who had taken the evening off to take care of her sick aunt, is also present. She has the opportunity to present herself as the brilliant actress that she has always wished to be. Eisenstein is having the time of his life and does not suspect that everything is part of the revenge of “The Bat”…

The operetta is in three acts with a libretto by Karl Haffner and Richard Genée, based on the vaudeville Le Réveillon by Henri Meilhac and Ludovic Halévy.

Music Director and Conductor: Jüri Alperten

Conductors: Mihhail Gerts and Erki Pehk 

Stage Director and Designer: Michiel Dijkema 

Costume Designer: Claudia Damm 

Lighting Desinger: Bas Berensen 

Last update 2012 Editorial Team Classictic.com