Opera hit in Cottbus: The clever little vixen delights the audience!

Opera hit in Cottbus: The clever little vixen delights the audience!

The opera *The Cunning Little Vixen* by Leoš Janáček delights audiences in Cottbus with a fascinating production based on a story by Rudolf Těsnohlídek. This story tells of the young vixen Smart Head, who is captured by the forester and then starts a chicken revolution by awakening courage in the animals. In the end she escapes, starts a family alongside another fox and experiences a merciless end at the hands of a poacher. How TheaterCompass reports, the opera impressively shows the dream of reconciliation between the human and animal worlds.

Staged by Armin Petras, who is making his debut in Cottbus, the performance under the musical direction of Johannes Zurl is exciting. Natascha von Steiger designed the stage design, while Patricia Talacko was responsible for the costumes. The team is supported by creative lighting design by Norman Plathe-Narr and video work by Maria Tomoiagǎ and Nico Delpy. The dramaturgy is in the hands of Julia Spinola, while the movement work is done by Nico Delpy.

A look at the cast

The cast ensures a varied experience. Andreas Jäpel plays the forester, while Antje Bornemeier and Gesine Forberger take on the role of the forester. The schoolmaster is played by Dirk Kleinke and the priest by Ulrich Schneider. The animal cast is just as remarkable: Anne Martha Schuitemaker impresses as the little vixen, Smart Head, accompanied by Rahel Brede as the fox and a children's choir who portray the fox children. Other roles include Jens Klaus Wilde as a dachshund and Alexander Trauth as a badger. This colorful mix promises a feast for the senses.

The musical implementation of Janáček's work is just as impressive. Small changes from the Prague production are incorporated into a new critical edition edited by Jiří Zahrádka. This new edition is based on the Brno premiere version of 1924 and includes the score, orchestral material and more- like that Universal edition explained.

Re-performances and depth of action

The next performance will take place on July 2, 2025 in the Great House, followed by further performances on July 11 and a return in September. Janáček's work is not only intended to entertain, but also to stimulate reflection on the circle of life and the complex relationship between humans and animals. These themes are particularly visible through the sensitive music and the impressive direction, which combines the closeness to nature with cultural aspects– informed about it Berlin State Opera.

With a fascinating musical and scenic implementation, *The Cunning Little Vixen* shows the dreams and realities that shape both the human and animal worlds. A visit is definitely recommended!