Humperdinck: Hänsel und Gretel

Humperdinck: Hänsel und Gretel (2008)

Music

Johannes Felsenstein’s production of HANSEL AND GRETEL presents it with every sinister element removed. The children remain in a home setting with their own bed central to the scene and the barest hint of a forest behind, while their father plays the witch as an amiable, totally benevolent figure, not sinister at all, even joining them in the final joyful ensemble. When they sing that the witch is dead, you find that the production contradicts that completely. Taking that unsinister stance means that the opera loses much of its bite. No doubt Felsenstein felt that it would make the piece more accessible for very young children, though many of them relish the sinister element. That said, it is a strong and capable performance, very well conducted and with a cast of good if not outstanding singers. One wonders what Felsenstein meant to convey, just as it is not clear why the central characters should regularly be carrying dolls. A highly individual version of a much-loved opera.

Directors: Brooks Riley, Johannes Felsenstein.

Casts

	Ludmil Kuntschew as Peter, broom maker
	Alexandra Petersamer as Gertrud, his wife
	Sabine Noack as Hänsel, their son
	Cornelia Marschall as Gretel, their daughter
	Ludmil Kuntschew as The Witch
	Viktorija Kaminskaite as Sandman, the sleep fairy
	Viktorija Kaminskaite as Dewman, the dew fairy

Crew