In an extended version of the opera DON CARLOS, director Michael von zur Mühlen and playwright Thomas Köck give the floor to a polyphonic chorus and allow the perspectives on the opera stage and world events to wander. Does empowerment fulfill the dream of a more peaceful, just world?
Don Carlos, Infante of Spain, was to be married to the French Princess Elisabeth de Valois. The rare exception to this political marriage: the young couple actually love each other. But then a last-minute change of plans: Elisabeth was not to marry Carlos, but his father Philip II, King of Spain and "India". The royal children cannot get together, Carlos is looking for a cure for lovesickness in the Flemish struggle for freedom and the aged world ruler is unable to win the heart of the very young princess. Tragedies or luxury problems? Let the people answer. In Verdi's opera, they remain strangely in the background. No head for royals. Too absorbed by the pure preservation of existence and bloodthirsty heretic burnings.
Premiere March 16, 2024
Further performances: March 23, April 6 and 18, May 12 and 31, June 9, 21 and 30, July 5, 2024
