Arabella unveils the Strauss trilogy to be created by Tobias Kratzer at the Deutsche Oper Berlin: next seasons will Intermeco and A woman without a shadow. Tobias Kratzer is one of the most interesting directors of the modern music theater, who is able to cope with the most difficult tasks. His performances adorn the posters of the most prestigious European theaters and festivals – from London and Paris Opera to Bayreuth. In August 2025, he will become the director of the Hamburg State Opera and will soon create Richard Wagner Ring of the Nibelung new production at the Bavarian State Opera in Munich.
Opera Arabella (1933) is the last collaboration between composer Richard Strauss and librettist Hugo von Hofmannsthal. Its action takes place in Vienna around 1860. Count Waldner, who is in financial difficulties, has settled in a luxury hotel with his wife Adelaide. The parents are trying their best to ensure a profitable marriage for one of the daughters: at the appropriate level, the family can afford to introduce the highest circles of Vienna only to their eldest offspring, Arabella. So parents have raised their second daughter, Zdenko, as a boy named Zdenko, and it’s no wonder that she herself begins to question her gender identity. Both daughters, despite all socioeconomic obstacles and prejudices, hope to sort out their private lives.
Director Tobias Kratzer believes that this opera marks a clash of two worldviews: on the one hand, there is the traditional system of male and female roles, and on the other, modern ideas regarding these roles in society. He explores the tension that arises as a result of this clash in his production, which becomes a time machine – each act takes place in a different era. The action begins in 19th century Vienna in a hyperrealistic interior of a luxurious hotel (set designer Rainer Zellmaier). In the second act, in which the ball takes place, the characters dance through the 1920s, 1950s and 1960s (choreographer Jerūns Verbrigens). Both brutal Nazis and swinging couples appear in the image gallery. In the third act, we come to the present day – Arabella and her companions enter the environment of influencers, where there are no more illusions and romance, commercial relations have taken precedence in all areas of life.
At the premiere in Berlin on March 18, the title role was played by soprano Sara Jakubiak, now it has been taken over by Gabriela Scherer. The mezzo-soprano Yelena Callagova shines brightly in the role of Zdenka. The girls’ lovers are sung by baritone Russell Brown (Mandrika) and tenor Robert Watson (Mateo). Arabella and Zdenka’s parents, who are passionately and unusually played by bass Albert Pezendorfer and mezzo-soprano Doris Zofele, provide an exemplary lesson in vocal and acting skills. This legendary artist has been on stage for fifty years. Doris Zofele brings unexpected nuances to the character of Adelaide – her character is a tough, charismatic lady who is ready to indulge in games inspired by sadomasochism. Everything is possible in Freud’s city of Vienna!
Arabella It will be performed at the German Opera in Berlin on March 30, April 1 and 6. The performance has been recorded by a record company Naxos. It has released a recording of Tobias Kratzer’s previous production at the German Opera in Berlin four years ago – the opera by Alexander Zemlinsky Dwarf.
Information: deutscheoperberlin.de