UckerOper's "Faust"

The tragedy of *Faust* lies in the fact that a person may know everything yet remain devoid of meaning and love. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe made this tragedy world-famous in his play, and Charles Gounod transformed it into magnificent Romantic opera music.

The Uckeroper brings both works together in a new, focused adaptation: featuring Gounod’s emotional music and Goethe’s gripping dialogues. At the center is the desperate Faust, who wagers his soul to Mephistopheles—in exchange for the promise of youth, meaning, and love.

Margarethe, inexperienced and innocent, falls in love with the clever and passionate Faust. But when her pregnancy becomes known, Faust turns away from her. Ostracized by the church and the village community, Margarethe is consumed by guilt, loneliness, and madness. Faust’s remorse comes too late—but as she lies dying, Gretchen sees the heavens open.

“Faust” is a story that is highly relevant today: Never before have we had access to as much knowledge as we do today—and yet many people seem more lost than ever. The greater our autonomy and self-confidence become, the stronger our longing for love grows. And the harder it becomes to truly let love into our lives.

Cast

Faust: Daniel Yan Pruzansky
Margarethe: Lea Kohnen, soprano
Mephistopheles: André Angenendt, bass
Valentin: Mads-Emil Jakobsen
Marte Schwerdtlein: Lilli Bandt
The Lord: Holger Müller-Brandes

Artistic Direction and Team

Musical Director: Prof. Jürgen Werner
Director: Holger Müller-Brandes
Set Design: Holger Müller-Brandes, Beate Schwigon
Costume Design: Beate Schwigon
Dramaturgy: Marlies Minuth
Public Relations: Claudia Müller-Zetzsche
Lighting: Jana Bunzeck, Daniela Strothmann

Music

Wurlitzer theater organ: Prof. Jürgen Werner
Violin: Szymon Telecki
Cello: T.B.A.
Double bass: T.B.A.