Die Fledermaus

An operetta by Johann Strauss

Tallink presents

An operetta by Johann Strauss in three acts
Libretto by Karl Haffner and Richard Genée, based on the vaudeville “Le Réveillon” by Henri Meilhac and Ludovic Halévy 
Translation of the libretto and lyrix: Piret Pääsuke
Editor: Marion Leppik
World premiere April 5, 1874 (Theater an der Wien)
Premiere at the Estonian National Opera on May 30, 2025

Music Director and Conductor: Arvo Volmer
Conductors: Jaan Ots and Lauri Sirp
Stage Director: Andrus Vaarik (Theatre Endla)
Designer: Kristjan Suits
Assistant to the Music Director Martin Trudnikov
Lightings: Priidu Adlas (Eesti Draamateater)
Choreographer Marina Kesler
Assistant to the Stage Director Oliver Reimann
Production Assistant Silva Valdt
Assistant Stage Director Helgi Sallo
Assistant to the Choreographer Mehis Saaber
Chief Chorus Master Heli Jürgenson
Chief Pianist-Repetiteur Riina Pikani
Pianist-Repetiteurs Jaanika Rand-Sirp, Ave Wagner, Tarmo Eespere
Stage Managers Riina Airenne, Rein Lepnurm

“Die Fledermaus”, one of the most popular operettas by Johann Strauss is staged by actor and stage director Andrus Vaarik for whom it is a debut on the stage of the Estonian National Opera. Vaarik has previously staged Haydn’s comic chamber opera “Il mondo della luna” (2005, Estonian Drama Theatre) and Rossini’s opera “Il turco in Italia” (2021, PromFest). “Die Fledermaus” premiered in 1874 in Vienna and is still popular worldwide by virtue of its memorable melodies, mesmerising dance routines and intriguing story. 

Gabriel Eisenstein has to go to prison for a few days, for insulting a public servant. The evening before his imprisonment he sobbingly bids his wife farewell and secretly sets off to a wild party held by prince Orlofsky. There he hopes to experience sensual pleasures of all kinds, of course incognito. Unfortunately, his wife, who just had an unexpected encounter with her former lover, finds out. Her lover is accidentally arrested instead of Mr Eisenstein. Disguised as a Hungarian countess she makes her appearance at the party and seduces her husband. The maid, who had become the evening off to take care of her sick aunt, is also present. She has the opportunity of presenting herself as a brilliant actress that she has always dreamed of. Eisenstein is having the time of his life and does not suspect that everything is part of the revenge of the Bat …

Recommended age 12+

Cast:

Eisenstein Reigo Tamm, Rasmus Kull (Teater Vanemuine)
Rosalinde Kadri Kõrvek, Arete Kerge
Adele Elena Brazhnyk, Kristel Pärtna
Alfred Heldur Harry Põlda, Rafael Dicenta
Orlovsky Helen Lokuta, Karis Trass
Dr.Falke (Notary) Tamar Nugis, René Soom
Dr.Blind (Lawyer) Mart Madiste, Mehis Tiits
Frank (Warden) Jassi Zahharov, Rauno Elp
Ida (Adele's sister) Janne Ševtšenko, Kadri Nirgi
Frosch (Prison guard) Andrus Vaarik, Mart Laur