Elderly home hosts fairy tale duo, Hansel and Gretel
The Opernloft, nestled in the Old Ferry Terminal Altona in Hamburg, Germany, is set to bring a unique reinterpretation of Engelbert Humperdinck's opera "Hans & Grete" to life. This production, slated to begin on August 31, 2025, promises an emotionally beautiful and dreamlike piece for adults, exploring themes related to aging and dementia.
Directed by Inken Rahardt, the production delves into her personal experiences with a disease, offering a poignant and innovative approach to a well-known tale. The story unfolds at the Waldfrieden home, a facility for the elderly, where Hans and Grete, its residents, form a close bond while baking gingerbread.
The music of "Hans & Grete" ranges from folk songs to Wagnerian outbursts, creating a rich and varied soundscape that enhances the dreamlike quality of the production. The opera also includes a cast of characters beyond Hans and Grete, with three nurses: Emilia, Kati, and Anne.
The 2023 premiere of "Hans & Grete" captivated the audience, and the production was awarded the "Rolf Mares" theater award in the "Music and Composition" category. Notably, the Opernloft also received this prestigious award for "Hans & Grete".
The Opernloft is renowned for its short performances that reimagine classic opera stories and translate them into contemporary themes. "Hans & Grete" is no exception, offering a thought-provoking exploration of dementia and its emotional and relational effects.
The story may or may not be based on real experiences, but it takes the audience on a journey through the characters' memories, where they become lost in a world of blurred realities and disorientation. This reimagined classic opera is a must-see for anyone seeking a unique and moving theatrical experience.
- In this reinterpretation of Engelbert Humperdinck's opera "Hans & Grete" at The Opernloft, science and health-and-wellness are portrayed through the sensitive exploration of aging and dementia.
- The lifestyle depicted in the production is that of the elderly residents at Waldfrieden home, where mental-health challenges are sensitively addressed through the emotional bond between Hans and Grete.
- As part of The Opernloft's home-and-garden series, the setting will include a bustling kitchen where Hans and Grete bake gingerbread, metaphorically representing the warmth and familiarity found in such environments.
