Rusalka's loss of speech clearly reflects her fears of identification, exclusion and existence. Director Sven-Eric Bechtolf reflects these emotional and mental states in a surreal, unreal and oppressive world. The story of the renegade mermaid is told in haunting images between a snowy desert and barren woodland.

Rusalka

Vienna State Opera

When the planned performance of his opera seria Ariadne auf Naxos in the palace of a Viennese nouveau riche is combined with the dance masquerade of an Italian comedy troupe, the young composer is initially in despair.

Jürgen Hoffmann

Events

Upcoming events

19 - 25 Feb, 2026

Ariadne auf Naxos · Wiener Staatsoper

Past events

8 - 15 Jan, 2026

Rusalka · Wiener Staatsoper

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