With a new production, the Vienna Volksoper is bringing two masterpieces by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky to the stage and transforming the performances into a poetic experience for the whole family.
The combination of Tchaikovsky's opera "Iolanta" and the ballet "The Nutcracker" promises a fascinating journey through the world of fantasy and growing up. Directed by Lotte de Beer and with the musical direction of Omer Meir Wellber, the audience is transported into a fairytale world that blurs the boundaries between reality and illusion.
Introduction to the magical production
The performance begins with Tchaikovsky's opera Iolanta, which tells the story of a blind princess. Iolanta lives in a sheltered world, surrounded by a well-meaning family who want to protect her from any pain. Her father, King René, is determined to keep the truth about her blindness from her. This changes when an unexpected visitor, future lover Vaudemont, opens her eyes to the world. The opera depicts the princess's challenges and emotional journey as she moves from ignorance to knowledge and ultimately healing.
In contrast, the ballet The Nutcracker presents the story of a girl who discovers a wondrous world in a dreamlike journey. Often performed at Christmas time, the ballet is known for its fantastical characters such as the Nutcracker, the Mouse King and a variety of dance scenes that illustrate the magic of Christmas.
The fusion of fairy tales and reality
The Vienna Volksoper has chosen to weave these two works together to tell a comprehensive story about growing up and seeing the world in its true form. The production, presented in German with German surtitles, uses the Nutcracker music and the dancers of the Vienna State Ballet to make Jolanthe's inner experience visible.
Lotte de Beer, the director, explains: "There comes a time in life when you have to decide whether you want to remain a blind princess or see the world in all its imperfection." This philosophical question is at the heart of the production and is supported by a visually impressive performance. The costumes are imaginatively designed and the sets transport the audience into a world full of colors and shapes that reflect the transformation of Iolanta's perception.
Artistic implementation and cast
The dancers of the Vienna State Ballet and students of the Ballet Academy of the Vienna State Opera play a central role in this production. They take on roles such as the Nutcracker, Prince Vaudemont, flowers, candy, soldiers, mouse kings and snowflakes. Particularly noteworthy is the role of Jolanthe, who is portrayed by various dancers at different stages of her development. The production also offers the opportunity to follow Jolanthe's development from a sheltered princess to a self-confident woman who is rediscovering her world.
A remarkable aspect of the production is the combination of Tchaikovsky's music with the dance. The musical direction of Omer Meir Wellber ensures that the emotional depth and complexity of the music are fully brought out. The musical accompaniment enhances the dramatic effect of the scenes and contributes significantly to creating the fairytale atmosphere.
Dates and tickets
The performance dates at the Vienna Volksoper are scheduled for November 10, 2024, to January 4, 2025. The performances will take place on various days and times, including special performances on December 26, 2024, and January 4, 2025. Tickets are already available and can be purchased via the Volksoper website or at the usual ticket offices.
Performance dates at the Volksoper:
- 10 November 2024, 18:00
- 15 November 2024, 19:00
- 23 November 2024, 19:00
- 30 November 2024, 18:00
- December 5, 2024, 19:00 p.m.
- December 21, 2024, 19:00 p.m.
- December 26, 2024, 15:30 p.m.
- January 4, 2925, 19:00
The production of "Iolanta" and "The Nutcracker" at the Vienna Volksoper offers a unique opportunity to experience two classic works by Tchaikovsky in a new way. The combination of the stories of Iolanta and the Nutcracker creates a profound and emotional portrayal of growing up and perception of the world. Lotte de Beer's creative vision and the commitment of the entire ensemble promise an unforgettable evening full of magic and music that will delight both children and adults.
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