Double Bill Premiere at Linz’s Musiktheater Explores Justice and Power Through Opera
Linz, Austria – A compelling double bill featuring the operas “Der zerbrochene Krug” (The Broken Jug) by Viktor Ullmann and “Des Esels Schatten” (The Donkey’s Shadow) by Richard Strauss is set to premiere on Saturday, March 14th, at the BlackBox of the Musiktheater in Linz. The productions, presented by the Upper Austrian Opera Studio, offer a unique juxtaposition of two comic works centered around legal proceedings, while simultaneously highlighting the starkly different lives and legacies of their composers. This premiere marks a significant cultural event for the region, promising an evening of insightful and thought-provoking performance.
Both operas delve into the complexities of the judicial system, albeit through comedic lenses. “Der zerbrochene Krug,” based on Heinrich von Kleist’s play, and “Des Esels Schatten,” adapted from Christoph Martin Wieland’s “The Abderites,” both present narratives revolving around court cases and the often-flawed pursuit of truth. Still, the context surrounding their creation and the composers themselves offer a poignant contrast. The Landestheater Linz notes that the combination of these two operas “sensitizes us to aspects of the bending of the law and abuse of power.”
A Tale of Two Composers: Ullmann and Strauss
Richard Strauss (1864-1949) enjoyed immense success as Germany’s foremost opera composer during his lifetime. His career spanned a period of significant political upheaval, including the rise and fall of the Nazi regime. While Strauss maintained a complex and often criticized relationship with the Nazi government, continuing to compose and hold positions of influence, his legacy remains firmly established within the canon of German opera. The Landestheater Linz acknowledges this complicated history, noting Strauss “came to terms with the Nazi regime.”
In stark contrast, Viktor Ullmann (1898-1944) faced a tragic fate. A Jewish composer, Ullmann was deported to Auschwitz in 1942 and murdered there in 1944. He completed “Der zerbrochene Krug” shortly before his deportation, a testament to his artistic resilience in the face of unimaginable adversity. Ullmann’s story underscores the devastating impact of the Holocaust on the artistic community and serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of remembering and honoring those who were lost. His work, largely rediscovered in recent decades, is now gaining increasing recognition for its artistic merit and historical significance.
The Operas Themselves: Content and Context
“Der zerbrochene Krug,” Ullmann’s opera in one act, is based on Kleist’s popular comedy. The story centers around a judge whose household is thrown into chaos after a valuable jug is broken. The ensuing investigation reveals a web of deceit and hidden relationships, ultimately exposing the judge’s own hypocrisy. The opera, adapted for a reduced orchestra by Richard Whilds in 2017, promises a fast-paced and engaging theatrical experience.
Strauss’s “Des Esels Schatten,” a comedy in six scenes, draws inspiration from an ancient Greek fable. The plot revolves around a dispute over the ownership of a donkey’s shadow, highlighting the absurdity of legal arguments and the human tendency to prioritize trivial matters over genuine justice. This was Strauss’s last stage work, begun in 1947, and inevitably reflects his experiences during the period of the Nazi dictatorship. Linztermine.at notes that the experiences of that era “mitschwingen” (resonate) within the work.
Production Details and Performance Schedule
The production is directed by Gregor Horres, with musical direction provided by Jinie Ka. Performances will take place at the BlackBox Musiktheater, located at Am Volksgarten 14020 Linz, Austria. The premiere is scheduled for Saturday, March 14th, 2026, at 8:00 PM. Additional performances are scheduled for March 20th, March 22nd, March 25th, March 27th, March 30th, and April 2nd, 2026, all beginning at 8:00 PM, with a matinee performance on March 22nd at 3:00 PM. Pre-performance introductions will be held 30 minutes before each performance.
Tickets are available through the Landestheater Linz, with various price categories available. An “Osteraktion” (Easter promotion) offers a 20% discount with the code OSTERN20. The Linzer Aktivpass also provides discounted tickets. Further information and ticket purchases can be found on the Landestheater Linz website: https://www.landestheater-linz.at/EN/sitemap/lth/stuecke/detail?ref=202520261832.
A Powerful Pairing for a Modern Audience
The decision to present these two operas in a double bill is a deliberate one, designed to provoke reflection on themes of justice, power, and the human condition. The contrasting biographies of Ullmann and Strauss add another layer of complexity, forcing audiences to confront the moral compromises made during times of political turmoil and the enduring power of art in the face of oppression. This production promises to be more than just an evening of entertainment; it is an opportunity for dialogue and a poignant reminder of the importance of vigilance against injustice.
The premiere of “Der zerbrochene Krug / Des Esels Schatten” represents a significant moment for the Upper Austrian Opera Studio and the Landestheater Linz, showcasing their commitment to presenting challenging and relevant works to a contemporary audience. The next scheduled performance is on March 20th, 2026, offering further opportunities to experience this compelling double bill. Readers are encouraged to share their thoughts and reactions to the production in the comments section below.