The Bat by Strauss II, Mon 30 Dec 2024, From (2024/2024), Directed by Dr. Alexander Busche, Conductor Andreas Spering, Brandenburger Theater, Brandenburg, Germany

TEXT BY CARL HAFFNER AND RICHARD GENÉE / BASED ON THE VAUDEVILLE “LE RÉVEILLON” BY HENRI MEILHAC AND LUDOVIC HALÉVY The operetta par excellence is Johann Strauss' “Fledermaus”, which was premiered in Vienna in 1873, directly after the great “Gründerkrach”. This lustful joy in one's own downfall is not only part of the story of how the piece came about, but also a crucial ingredient in the plot: at the masked ball of the exalted and bored Prince Orlofsky, everyone can be whatever he or she wants - and it is only the next day that the masks literally fall. Before beginning a prison sentence for insulting an official, Eisenstein wants to have fun at the party - but has no idea that he will also meet his wife Rosalinde and the maid Adele there. ... In the Fledermaus, people love, drink, banter ironically and sing melodiously - what could be better for a lively New Year's Eve!