Ariadne on Naxos by Strauss, Fra (2023/2023), Instrueret af Martin G. Berger,, Dirigent Dominik Beykirch, Deutsches Nationaltheater, Weimar, Germany

The richest man in town gives a convivial evening which, after art and entertainment, is supposed to end with a fireworks display. The hired artists couldn't be more different: while Zerbinetta and her followers get in the mood for a fun dance masquerade, the opera singers are making final preparations for the tragedy »Ariadne auf Naxos«. Shortly before the start of the event, the plan is surprisingly changed: »Ariadne« and the masquerade are to be shown at the same time! The artists have to come to terms with each other spontaneously, crossing tragedy with comedy and longing for death with lust for life. This not only reveals opposites, because the closer the troops get to each other, the clearer it becomes that they also have things in common. Martin G. Berger, who has already directed »Candide« at the DNT, puts into practice the ›simultaneously playing‹ required in the piece. The director invites the audience on an opulent journey through time to 1916, the year in which Strauss' and Hofmannsthal's operas premiered. With surprises all over the house, he lets the audience look into the inner life of Zerbinetta, Ariadne, Harlekin and Co. in a humorous and profound way. Coupled with the rich Strauss sound of the Staatskapelle conducted by Dominik Beykirch, the ensemble presents a rousing »Ariadne« - as vivid and lively as it can seldom be experienced. Step into the rich man's house, where the question of how we want to express ourselves, live and love is negotiated between lavish parties and high art! The Staatskapelle Weimar plays