Hänsel und Gretel - schedule, program & buy tickets

A fairy-tale opera in three acts by Engelbert Humperdinck
Libretto by Adelheid Wette, based on the fairy tale of the same name by the Brothers Grimm 
World premiere on December 23, 1893, in Weimar
Premiere at the Deutsche Oper Berlin on December 13, 1997

 Introduction: 45 minutes before the start of each performance in the Rang Foyer on the right
Language: In German with German and English surtitles
Running time: 2 hours 15 minutes / including an intermission after approximately 60 minutes
Recommended for ages 8 and up 

With *Hansel and Gretel*, Engelbert Humperdinck created a fairy-tale opera that has captivated children and families time and again for over 100 years—not just during the pre-Christmas season. The work’s enduring success is due, on the one hand, to the thrilling story of two children who get lost in a dark forest and are threatened by an evil witch, but who ultimately manage to defeat her through cunning and trickery. The combination of simple, catchy folk song melodies—such as “Ein Männlein steht im Walde”—with lavishly orchestrated sounds and grand operatic voices remains extremely appealing to audiences of all ages to this day. Andreas Homoki’s production tells the story in a straightforward manner through poetic imagery, yet does not shy away from either theatrically effective spine-chilling effects or comedic moments. At the podium is our music director, Anna Handler, a young, dynamic conductor who lends the performance its musical drive.

Subject to change.