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.

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

Flurina Stucki Maid

Amber Fasquelle Maid

Maliu Vaahtoluoto Maid

So Young Park Companion

Kristina Häger Companion

Metadata from the source database.