Premiere of the opera The Cunning Little Vixen”: A new theatrical adventure!

Premiere of the opera The Cunning Little Vixen”: A new theatrical adventure!

On Saturday, June 28, 2025, in the Great House of Cottbus State Theater the premiere of the opera “The Cunning Little Vixen” by Leoš Janáček was celebrated. At 7:30 p.m. the curtain falls on a production that illuminates the down-to-earth nature of nature in the face of civilization from an animalistic, fantastical perspective.

Director Armin Petras, known for his production of “Katja Kabanova”, leads the audience through the story of the young vixen Smart Head. This mix of fairy tales and modern myth addresses the complicated relationship between the human world and the animal world. Clever is caught, raises the chickens to revolution and finally finds love with a fox. But fate doesn't escape here - the vixen is shot by the poacher, which underlines her tragic end in this haunting story.

A look into the future

A notable aspect of the production is that it is set in a future in which nature suffers severely from the influence of civilization. This socially critical note makes the piece particularly topical and makes the audience think. The plot of “The Cunning Little Vixen” reflects the challenges and manipulations that are present in our lives today.

Johannes Zurl took over the musical direction, which gives hope for high artistic standards. Janáček, a master of his craft, is distinguished not only by his exciting stories, but also by the complex music he has composed. The production will certainly bring to life the different interactions of the animals and their relationships with one another. At the same time, the opera addresses the dream of reconciliation between nature and culture Niederlausitz Current reported.

Further appointments

Anyone who misses the premiere will have the opportunity to experience the story of Schlaukopf on July 2nd, 2025 and July 11th, 2025 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available both at Visitor Services and online.

Janáček himself is considered a versatile composer, and his works, such as the one in the Opera for everyone “The Excursions of Mr. Brouček” described show his ability to combine different styles and themes. “The Cunning Little Vixen” is one of these characteristic works, which was successfully staged by Walter Felsenstein at the Komische Oper in 1956 and has since had a permanent place in the repertoire of many German theaters.

For nature lovers and opera fans, this piece will be a real experience - not only because of the gripping plot, but also because of the deep questions it raises about the state of our world. So be there when the young vixen tells his adventurous story in Cottbus!