Around the world in 80 days - schedule, program & buy tickets

An opera in two acts for children and the young at heart ages seven and up, based on the novel of the same name by Jules Verne
Libretto by Peter Lund
Commissioned by the Zurich Opera House, world premiere on November 17, 2024
Premiere at the Deutsche Oper Berlin on November 15, 2026

Language: In German with German and English surtitles
Running time: 2 hours / including an intermission after approximately 55 minutes
Recommended for ages 7 and up 

Max loves to read more than anything. Now he’s been captivated by a book written over 150 years ago: Around the World in 80 Days by Jules Verne. Not even his girlfriend Josi can keep Max from reading, even though she thinks he shouldn’t always retreat to the attic to escape into his own world; after all, reality is exciting enough—she’d rather he come with her to the important protest! Max, however, is so engrossed in his book that the characters suddenly come to life, and he himself takes on a central role in the story: Phileas Fogg, the eccentric English gentleman, makes Max his servant. Fogg has bet half his fortune that he can circumnavigate the globe in 80 days; what is, of course, no longer a problem today was a real challenge 150 years ago. And so Max—now known as Passepartout—embarks on an adventurous journey into the past alongside Fogg—to the Egyptian pyramids, to India, Hong Kong, and finally to America, sometimes by train, sometimes by ship, and sometimes riding on elephants… They are pursued by Detective Fix, who mistakes Fogg for a wanted bank robber and is hot on his heels. But fortunately, Fogg has active support not only from Max, alias Passepartout, but also from Aouda, who is very clever and at the same time ensures that the always cool and composed Fogg suddenly shows his emotions… English composer Jonathan Dove drew inspiration from this world-famous story—which has been adapted for film numerous times—to create music that spans the globe. The libretto was written by Peter Lund, who also directed the production. The result is a fast-paced family opera that offers a fresh, tongue-in-cheek take on a fascinating story. We are delighted to once again present a family opera on the grand stage of the Deutsche Oper Berlin with this production. 

Subject to change.