Where to start when discussing Simon McBurney’s 2012 production of Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte, now in its third Dutch National Opera reincarnation in Amsterdam after travelling all around the world to great acclaim. Is the production really as good as everyone says? Has it managed to retain the freshness of delivery? Well, the ever-evolving production in the hands of British staging director Rachael Hewer, is an absolute delight. One could even argue that it transcends the operatic form and turns this Mozartian masterpiece into a piece of theatre, with even a hint of Shakespeare.
The outstanding cast taking a well-deserved curtain call on the opening night. Much elation on stage. Even more elation from the audience who immediately rose to their feet to show their appreciation.
The trailer
The history of the 2023 DNO production of Die Zauberflöte
The venue
Inside the DNO auditorium at the interval where you can clearly see how the orchestra pit was raised with the Netherlands Chamber Orchestra as an integral part of the performance.
The cast
On-stage visual and video artistry
Blake Habermann, who also performed in the 2023 New York Metropolitan Opera production, talking about the improvisatory nature of his role, and how even his arm movements had to be choreographed.
Live sound effects
Detailed and ever-changing sound effects all created onstage by the amazing Foley artist Ruth Sullivan, creating sounds for a crackling fire, gentle rain and Papageno doing up a zip!
What is a Foley artist?
The joyous finale
The evening without question belonged to the Dutch tenor, Thomas Oliemans in the role of Papageno.
The cast list
The team
The director
The set designer
Click here to read the review in full on Bachtrack.com
Reviewed at Dutch National Opera and Ballet, Amsterdam on 1 December 2023
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