Der Zwerg

movie

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.

Cast & crew

Amber Fasquelle · David Butt Philip · Elena Tsallagova · Emily Magee · Flurina Stucki · Kristina Häger · Maliu Vaahtoluoto · Mick Morris Mehnert · Philipp Jekal · So Young Park · Tobias Kratzer