Between fairy tale opera and political parable: With "Die Vögel" (The Birds), Walter Braunfels created one of the most important German operas of the early 20th century. The imaginative story of a society of birds that dreams of power and seduction unfolds as a resplendent musical theater piece with a surprisingly topical message. Walter Braunfels' opera "Die Vögel," long his greatest stage success, is based on a comedy by [...]

Seduction, wealth, and a devilish pact: with Igor Stravinsky's opera "The Rake's Progress," the Stadttheater Gießen brings a musical theater production to the stage that is as brilliant as it is dark. The story of the young Tom Rakewell tells of the temptations of quick fortune—and of its high price. Igor Stravinsky's opera "The Rake's Progress" is loosely based on the [...]

Between science fiction, pop music, and existential quest: With "Lazarus," the Staatstheater Darmstadt brings the extraordinary musical by David Bowie and Enda Walsh to the stage. The story of a stranded alien becomes a poetic reflection on loneliness, longing, and the question of the meaning of life. At the center of "Lazarus" is Thomas Newton—a […]