Mozart’s Magic Flute

The Next Generation

Who would not have wanted to be at the first performances of Mozart's Die Zauberflöte in 1791? The fabulous music, imaginative characters and sparkling humour overwhelmed audiences at the popular theatre by Emanuel Schikaneder, who, as an actor and director, played Papageno himself. A year later, The Tooverfluyt also conquered the Netherlands. To make the sparkling energy of those first performances palpable again, the Theatre Alliance now joins forces with OPERA2DAY, which conquered audiences' hearts in a short time, and the Grammy Award-winning ensemble LUDWIG.

This full staging of Mozart’s masterpiece is the dreamed-of successor to the five-star reviewed Amadeus, which already featured opera scenes in a starring role. ‘What a feast!’ wrote Scenes. ‘The most beautiful scenes are those in which Mozart and the music play the leading role’ according to NRC, also ‘brilliantly sung’. ‘The insanely clever acting, Mozart’s music, the richly coloured staging are merciless and of an agonising beauty’ (Trouw). Scenes from Die Zauberflöte stole the show and made one long for a full performance of the work.

For this, Theu Boermans, one of our country’s most beloved and award-winning directors once again collaborated with musical director Hernán Schvartsman of OPERA2DAY. They were inspired by the intentions of Mozart and Shikaneder. A similar mix of actors and singers was cast and the libretto directly captures the imagination through a completely new Dutch translation. The story of a young generation fighting for a better world comes alive again in our own time, full of tragedy but also refreshing humour. Once again, the production promises to be a visual and theatrical experience.

The Theatre Alliance is realising this show with eye-catching partners. OPERA2DAY has quickly developed into a notable innovator within the opera field, innovative but from a love of the repertoire and genre. It delivers ‘one high-profile performance after another’, according to Theaterkrant. ‘OPERA2DAY demonstrates that there is a brave new world of opera out there which has yet to be fashioned’ wrote an English reviewer. The musical accompaniment will be provided by LUDWIG. Recordings by this ensemble were named ‘best classical album of the year’ (New York Times) and awarded a Grammy Award.