Der Zwerg

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.

Country:
Genre:

Music

Duration:

95 minutes

Year:

2019

Director:

Tobias Kratzer

Cast:
Elena Tsallagova

Donna Clara, Infanta of Spain

Emily Magee

Ghita, her attendant

David Butt Philip

Der Zwerg

Mick Morris Mehnert

Der Zwerg (actor)

Philipp Jekal

Don Estoban, the chamberlain

Crew:
Donald Runnicles

Sound

Alexander von Zemlinsky

Sound

Tobias Kratzer

Director