04.02.2024

CHRISTIANE KARG gives her role debut as Rusalka at the Berlin State Opera

Rusalka, a water creature, has fallen in love with the seemingly unattainable prince. To find a place in his world and be close to him, she even gives up the power to speak and changes her shape. But can Rusalka live contrary to her nature? Can a love for which you have to deny your identity last?

Librettist Jaroslav Kvapil used various fairy tales and myths as a source for his psychological and symbolist text. Antonín Dvořák’s opulent and dazzling score, which turned out to be his first operatic success, is a true feat of composition whose complex subject matter is open to a wide range of interpretations. Kornél Mundruzcó, who recently staged the opera »Sleepless« by Peter Eötvös, which was awarded the Staatsoper »Premiere of the Year«, emphasises the relevance of the material today in his interpretation.

Christiane Karg, last seen on stage at the Staatsoper Berlin as Micaëla in Bizet's Carmen, is now making her role debut there as Rusalka under the direction of Robin Ticciati. It will be interesting to see how she tackles this role, which can be understood not only as a woman's emotional drama, but also as a modern fairy tale that raises constantly topical questions about identity and physicality.

Cast:

Christiane Karg, Rusalka
Pavel Černoch, Prince
Anna Samuil, Foreign Princess
Mika Kares, Aquarius
Anna Kissjudit, Ježibaba
Adam Kutny, Heger
Clara Nadeshdin, Kitchen Boy
Regina Koncz , Rebecka Wallroth and Ekaterina Chayka-Rubinstein, Three Elves
Taehan Kim, Hunter

Robin Ticciati, Musical Direction
Kornél Mundruczó, staging
Monika Pormale, set and costume design
Felice Ross, lighting
Dani Juris, rehearsal choir
Kata Wéber and Christoph Lang, dramaturgy

State Opera Chorus
Staatskapelle Berlin