Celebrating 150 Years of Die Fledermaus: A Modern Revival of Johann Strauss II’s Operetta. Johann Strauss II is widely hailed as the “King of the Waltz”. He left an indelible mark on the world of music, not only as a master of waltzes but also as a prolific composer of operettas. Among his most cherished works is Die Fledermaus (The Bat), which premiered in Vienna in 1874 and has since become a staple in opera houses globally, often performed as a festive New Year’s spectacle. This year, the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) in Beijing will pay tribute to this classic with a new production running from November 27 to December 1, celebrating its 150th anniversary. This introduces the 200th Strauss anniversary in 2025.
The upcoming production promises an immersive audiovisual experience, innovative stage design, and a powerful ensemble cast, bringing together creative talents from nine countries and involving 200 staff members. Zhang Yao, deputy director and general supervisor of the production, emphasized the NCPA’s commitment to fostering a global community in the performing arts during a recent news conference.
150 years of Die Fledermaus
Strauss’ Die Fledermaus is celebrated for its humor and irony, seamlessly blending lively melodies with the popular dance styles of the era, particularly the Viennese waltz. The overture encapsulates several of the operetta’s most enchanting themes. French conductor Marc Minkowski will lead the orchestra in his debut Chinese production, alongside an international cast that includes baritone Markus Werba, baritone Zhou Zhengzhong, soprano Jacquelyn Wagner, and soprano Song Yuanming.
One of the highlights of the operetta is the virtuo aria “Mein Herr Marquis” (Laughing Song), performed by Adele, the maid. The production will also feature captivating musical moments such as the Czardas and the Thunder and Lightning Polka, along with an array of duets, choruses, and dances that will engage audiences from start to finish. Sopranos Samantha Gaul and Qin Kanru will alternate in the role of Adele.
The production, directed by Frenchman Vincent Boussard, aims to modernize Die Fledermaus while preserving its essence. Boussard’s minimalist stage design and strategic use of projections plays on the complex human emotions behind the operetta’s joyful facade. He notes that the work elegantly intertwines classical and popular elements, employing straightforward dialogue that offers sharp social commentary reflective of 19th-century Vienna.
Costumes designed by Christian Lacroix will further enhance the production, merging contemporary aesthetics with traditional Viennese styles. The character of Falke, a witty and cunning figure in the operetta, will be portrayed by renowned cross-talk performer Guo Degang and rising star Song Tianshuo on alternate nights, promising fresh interpretations that blend humor with theatrical flair. As this revival of Die Fledermaus approaches, it represents not only a celebration of Strauss’s legacy but also a bridge connecting past and present, allowing contemporary audiences to engage with a timeless classic that continues to resonate with humor and vitality.