What awaits Hansel and Gretel after they get lost in the forest? The German composer Engelbert Humperdinck transformed the classic Grimm brothers’ fairy tale into an opera with a libretto by his sister Adelheid Wette. Humperdinck’s music is marked by a masterful portrayal of scenes and settings, overflowing with beautiful melodies. Under his pen, fairy-tale characters come to life: woodland fairies, the wicked witch, and children made of gingerbread. Since its premiere in 1893, this opera has enchanted generations of audiences and rightfully belongs among the ten most popular works of the world repertoire. After a long 36 years, it now returns to Plzeň. Don’t worry—everything turns out well in the end!

Hansel and Gretel

Theater of JK Tyl New Stage

As an example, we can mention Hana Glawari's song about the Vilja fairy or the Danila song about his debauchery at the Maxim’s nightclub. The Merry Widow also belongs to those few operettas, whose libretto can attract audiences even in the 21st century. The story, set in Paris in 1905, is immensely theatrical and offers an important storyline and witty dialogues. The Merry Widow premiered on 30 December 1905 at the Na Vídeňce Theatre in Vienna. In Pilsen it was first shown in 1907 and it has never disappeared from the repertory for a long time. This time, the production is presented to the audience in a co-production with the Prague’s Karlín Theatre.

Vanda Šípová

Events

Upcoming events

Sep 5, 2026

Hansel and Gretel · J.K. Tyl Theatre

Sep 20, 2026

The merry widow · J.K. Tyl Theatre

Future and recently performed repertoire

Víla in Hansel and Gretel by Humperdinck

J.K. Tyl Theatre

Valencie, jeho žena in The Merry Widow by Lehár

J.K. Tyl Theatre

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