Der Zwerg

Based on Oscar Wildes story The Birthday of the Infanta, Zemlinskys single-act opera Der Zwerg is the tragic tale of a dwarf who is presented at court, falls in love with the beautiful Donna Clara, but is ultimately forced to see himself as others see him and to die of a broken heart. Preceded by Schoenbergs Accompaniment to a Cinematographic Scene, Op. 34, Zemlinskys Romantic score is full of psychological intrigue. Is Der Zwerg a critique of societys superficiality? Is it the composers self-portrait in his doomed affair with Alma Schindler? Director Tobias Kratzers stunning, transparent production creates a space in which each character is thrown into sharp relief in this fine, noble and melancholy work.

• Release date
• March 27, 2019
• Runtime
• 95 min
• Genres
• Music
• Director
• Tobias Kratzer

Cast

E

Elena Tsallagova Donna Clara, Infanta of Spain Emily Magee Ghita, her attendant

D

David Butt Philip Der Zwerg Mick Morris Mehnert Der Zwerg (actor)

P

Philipp Jekal Don Estoban, the chamberlain

F

Flurina Stucki Maid

A

Amber Fasquelle Maid

M

Maliu Vaahtoluoto Maid