Volksoper Vienna: Orpheus in the Underworld
Vienna, Volksoper Wien — Main Hall
About the Event
Immerse yourself in a unique classical music event with the stunning rendition of Jacques Offenbach's Orpheus in the Underworld at Vienna's esteemed Volksoper.
In Offenbach's twist on the classic tale, the setting shifts dramatically from the traditional. Premiered in 1858 at Paris' “Bouffes‐Parisiens” theater, Orpheus is portrayed as a tedious music instructor with Eurydice as his exasperated spouse. Eurydice's descent to hell becomes a cause for celebration for her husband, until societal pressure demands he beseech Jupiter, the patriarch of the gods, to retrieve her. Tiring of their heavenly diet, the entourage of deities joyously follows Orpheus to the netherworld. Recognized as the inaugural operetta, Offenbach’s creation humorously critiques dull matrimonial bonds, dysfunctional deities, and a hedonistic Hades.
Under the guidance of Spymonkey, the UK's premier physical comedy troupe, this operatic gem reaches new comedic heights. This staging marks the group's opera house debut. “Orpheus in the Underworld aligns seamlessly with our comedic approach,” explains Toby Park, an artistic director of the company. “It cleverly inverts a familiar world, mimicking our own method of mocking through parody and distortion.” In this adaptation, the Volksoper’s cast showcases their comedic genius at its finest.
Practical Information
In German with German and English surtitles.
Program
- Jacques Offenbach – Orpheus in the Underworld
Address
Volksoper Wien, Währinger Strasse 78, Vienna, Austria — Google Maps
