Die Frau ohne Schatten is the fourth opera created in collaboration between composer Richard Strauss and writer Hugo von Hofmannsthal. The work is full of ambiguous symbolism, yet simultaneously focuses on fundamental human experiences: love, loneliness, unfulfillment, and longing.

A woman without a shadow

Teatr Wielki - Polish National Opera

Ariadne on Naxos was the third opera written by Richard Strauss together with librettist Hugon von Hoffmansthal. Their collaboration had started with the expressionist Elektra, followed two years later by a drastically different, Mozartian Der Rosenkavalier.  Their next project drew heavily on literary inspirations. The one-act opera was meant to be shown at the end of Molièr’s Le Bourgeois gentilhomme, which Hoffmansthal had just translated into German. The version of Ariadne that prevailed to our times has a prologue setting the metatheatrical stage for the opera. 

Ariadne On Naxos

The richest man in Vienna is treating his guests to a spectacular celebration. For the occasion, he has commissioned a new opera seria, Ariadne auf Naxos. On the evening of the premiere, the composer discovers to his horror that he has to share the bill with a buffet, a comedy and a fireworks display. And as if that weren’t bad enough, the host introduces a change of plan: because the fireworks have to start on time, the tragedy and comedy are to be performed, not one after the other, but simultaneously! In this highly original opera, ‘high’ and ‘low’ art thus compete for the audience’s attention.

Marek Adamski

Events

Upcoming events

Jan 24 - Feb 9, 2027

Ariadne auf Naxos · La Monnaie / De Munt

Past events

15 - 28 Feb, 2026

A woman without a shadow · Polish National Opera

4 - 27 Apr, 2025

Ariadne On Naxos · Polish National Opera

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