Madrid in turmoil. The barber Lamparilla has no interest in politics. But he is in love and becomes embroiled in an intrigue that reaches all the way to the Spanish royal family. A cheerful game of cat and mouse with the authorities begins, fueled by irresistible Spanish dance rhythms and music reminiscent of Rossini and Verdi. In this classic 19th-century zarzuela, which is yet to be discovered in German-speaking countries, social and political tensions are vented through folklore and humor. Christof Loy devotes himself to the best-known work of this genre and brings it to the stage with a Spanish cast and in the original language.

El barberillo de Lavapiés

Theater Basel

Named after the Palacio de la Zarzuela near Madrid, the early form of Spanish musical theatre emerged as early as the 17th century, parallel to Italian opera. Related to vaudeville, farce and operetta, hundreds of these entertaining and effective works were written within a few decades. The genre was increasingly forgotten and only experienced a revival in the mid-19th century. However, it is still neglected on theatre programmes today. Star director Christof Loy, who has been a strong advocate of the zarzuela for many years, is staging an evening at the Deutsche Oper Berlin.

David Oller

Events

Upcoming events

Jul 4, 2026

Gran Gala de Zarzuela · Deutsche Oper Berlin

Past events

Sep 24, 2025

El barberillo de Lavapiés · Theater Basel

Future and recently performed repertoire

Lamparilla in El barberillo de Lavapiés by Barbieri

Theater Basel

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