The Antichrist makes his entrance into a godless world. Sent by Lucifer into the world, he adopts many guises. Mankind is tested and tempted by pride, lust, lies, despondency and hatred in an “all-against-all altercation”. Langgaard’s opera is suffused with fin de siècle atmosphere and pessimism, warning of catastrophe and denouncing the vices of the modern age: egotism, arrogance, frivolity. Langgaard, though, was also an optimist, convinced of the transformative, transcendental power of art and the importance of music as a thread connecting people to the godhead. So it is that the world is freed of all evil and sorrow in the culminating chorus scene in ANTIKRIST.

Antichrist

Deutsche Oper Berlin

Tycoons Ratefreund and Hoffegut see great potential profits in their utopian city of Cloud Cuckoo Land. Mobilizing the birds for their cause is a means to an end; their destruction by the gods is nothing more than collateral damage. Between ancient themes and late Romantic music, Walter Braunfels' opera hovers as a biting social critique over a realm between heaven and earth. Director Ersan Mondtag returns to Wiesbaden after the success of "Double Serpent"—invited to the 2025 Berlin Theatertreffen—not only as director but also as the driving force behind the spectacular set design.

The birds: Opera by Walter Braunfels

Hessisches Staatstheater Wiesbaden

The temple priestess Leila is supposed to banish the water spirits with her singing and protect the fishermen without ever lifting her veil. The return of Zurga's childhood friend Nadir throws events out of balance. The two friends had once sworn to renounce a girl they both loved in order to preserve their friendship. After Leila turns out to be this very girl, Nadir breaks his vow, just as Leila breaks hers, by lifting the veil. Zurga, who not only realizes that Leila once saved his life, but can now also admit his selfishness and jealousy, prevents the execution that the pearl fishers demand for the double breach of oath.

Ersan Mondtag

Events

Upcoming events

Mar 21 - Jun 26, 2026

The birds: Opera by Walter Braunfels · Staatstheater Wiesbaden

11 - 29 May, 2026

Les Pêcheurs de perles · Wiener Staatsoper

Past events

Apr 24 - May 2, 2025

Antichrist · Deutsche Oper Berlin

About

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