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.
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
- Flurina Stucki as Maid
- Amber Fasquelle as Maid
- Maliu Vaahtoluoto as Maid
- So Young Park as Companion
- Kristina Häger as Companion