Nahkhiir. J. Straussi operett

DIE FLEDERMAUS

An operetta by Johann Strauss in three acts

Libretto by Karl Haffner and Richard Genée, based on the vaudeville “Le Réveillon” by Henri Meilhac and Ludovic Halévy

World premiere April 5, 1874 (Theater an der Wien)

Premiere at the Estonian National Opera on May 30, 2025

Music Director and Conductor: Arvo Volmer

Conductors: Jaan Ots and Lauri Sirp

Stage Director: Andrus Vaarik

Designer: Kristjan Suits

“Die Fledermaus”, one of the most popular operettas by Johann Strauss is staged by actor and stage director Andrus Vaarik for whom it is a debut on the stage of the Estonian National Opera. Vaarik has previously staged Haydn’s comic chamber opera “Il mondo della luna” (2005, Estonian Drama Theatre) and Rossini’s opera “Il turco in Italia” (2021, PromFest). “Die Fledermaus” premiered in 1874 in Vienna and is still popular worldwide by virtue of its memorable melodies, mesmerising dance routines and intriguing story.

Gabriel Eisenstein has to go to prison for a few days, for insulting a public servant. The evening before his imprisonment he sobbingly bids his wife farewell and secretly sets off to a wild party held by prince Orlofsky. There he hopes to experience sensual pleasures of all kinds, of course incognito. Unfortunately, his wife, who just had an unexpected encounter with her former lover, finds out. Her lover is accidentally arrested instead of Mr Eisenstein. Disguised as a Hungarian countess she makes her appearance at the party and seduces her husband. The maid, who had become the evening off to take care of her sick aunt, is also present. She has the opportunity of presenting herself as a brilliant actress that she has always dreamed of. Eisenstein is having the time of his life and does not suspect that everything is part of the revenge of the Bat …

Recommended for age  12+